Caro-Kann Defense · B14

Panov Attack, after 4... Nc6, through 10. O-O

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. Nf3 e6 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bb5 Bd6 9. Bg5 O-O 10. O-O

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. 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.

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