Caro-Slav structure: When to play d5?

Hi there,

I‘ve watched Danny‘s videos covering the caro-slav pawn structure and knew I had to play d5 at some point, but wasn‘t sure when to do so. Instead I declined exchanging pieces, my opponent did neither go for e5 nor c5 and I went on to win. Here‘s the game:

Thanks in advance for answering my questions asked in the annotations. :)

Regards, Kebay.

d5 is played:

- when White is ahead in development and opening the center will give him lines to use without equally favoring Black;

- when Black plays ...c5 but hasn't prevented d5;

- as a pawn sacrifice for increased piece activity, namely for a d file rook and an a1-h8 diagonal bishop.

I haven't watched the videos, but hope this helps.

Nice position after 25. Ne5

You completely dominated the center, and had awesome knight outposts!

I like how he traded queens with you in the end, then resigned, apparently he didn't have a well developed plan in mind.