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Caro-Kann: 4 quick facts
- The Caro-Kann is named after two chess players: the English Horatio Caro and the Austrian Marcus Kann.
- It’s a solid, positional choice for Black against White’s 1. e4 and a popular opening at top levels.
- Similar to the French Defense, the Caro-Kann offers a closed game with a solid pawn structure. Unlike in the French, however, Black’s light-squared bishop is developed before the pawn chain is established, preventing it from becoming trapped behind the pawns.
- Many lines lead to complex, positional middlegames, often with fewer tactics than other 1. e4 openings.
Caro-Kann: The moves
Here are the moves for the Caro-Kann:
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1. e4 c6
Play it solid, play it smart
Try the Caro-Kann if you’re looking for a strategically-rich, slower, positional game, rather than a quick tactical battle.
If you’re looking for more openings, check out our guide featuring over 30 options for every skill level!