This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: English: Caro-Kann Defence
Moves: 1. c4 c6 2. Nf3
Description: This opening combines the English Opening's flank control with Black's Caro-Kann setup, characterized by Black’s early ...c6 move. The move ...c6 prepares ...d5, aiming for a solid pawn structure and contesting the center from a distance. White’s 2.Nf3 develops a knight to a natural square, supporting central control and flexible development.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this line is Black's ...c6 move, which supports a later ...d5, allowing Black to challenge White's central influence in a solid and resilient manner.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is generally more positional and flexible, allowing for both attacking or solid plans depending on how the game unfolds. For Black, the approach is primarily defensive and solid, aiming to neutralize White’s central and queenside pressure before counterattacking.
Center Control: Both sides indirectly contest the center. White controls it from the flank with c4 and piece development, while Black prepares to challenge the center with ...d5 supported by ...c6. The opening is less about immediate central occupation and more about controlling and influencing it strategically.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: Caro-Kann Defence, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used English: Caro-Kann Defence to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.