Caro-Kann Defense · B15

Main line, after 2. d4, through 3... dxe4

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4

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 has doubled pawns on the e-file.

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. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 2 more moves in this line, 6 in all.