Caro-Kann Defense · B10

Hillbilly Attack, Schaeffer Gambit

1. e4 c6 2. Bc4 d5 3. Bb3 dxe4 4. Qh5

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. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. Black's pawn on f7 is pinned against the king.

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. Bc4 Develops the bishop to c4, eyeing d5. It eyes f7, the one square only the king defends. Theory calls this the Hillbilly Attack.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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