Caro-Kann Defense · B10

Accelerated Panov Attack, Van Weersel Attack

1. e4 c6 2. c4 d5 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Qb3

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. The c-file is fully open.

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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