Caro-Kann Defense · B10

Accelerated Panov Attack, Modern Variation

1. e4 c6 2. c4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. cxd5 Nf6

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c6 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Caro-Kann Defense.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Accelerated Panov Attack.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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