Chess Openings

Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation

ECO B12 · Caro-Kann Defense · tactical · intermediate

The Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation (B12) is a tactical chess opening in the Caro-Kann Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5. Space advantage for White. Black counterattacks. Recommended for intermediate players.

Moves: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5

About this opening

The Advance Variation (3.e5) grants White space, but unlike the French, Black can first develop the bishop to f5 before playing ...e6. Black then seeks counterplay with ...c5 and ...Nc6 against White's center. Nigel Short used it successfully at the top level, helping make this space-grabbing line one of the most played in the modern Caro-Kann.

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