B19

Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 c6

The Caro-Kann Defence is a solid and reliable response to 1.e4. Black prepares ...d5 with the support of c6, aiming for a solid pawn structure without the bad bishop problem of the French Defence. It's considered one of the most reliable openings for Black.

History & Notable Players

Named after Horatio Caro and Marcus Kann. It became extremely popular through the games of Anatoly Karpov, who used it as his primary weapon against 1.e4. Modern practitioners include Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.

Best Games

Dominguez Perez,L vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Naveen,Aarush vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Duda,J vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Fedoseev,Vl31/2-1/2
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Maly,Al0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Anand,V vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2018★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Heredia Serrano,C1-0
WCh Women • 2010★ Notable
Leko,P vs Topalov,V1-0
18th Amber Blindfold • 2009★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
18th Amber Blindfold • 2009★ Notable
Khalifman,A vs Roiz,M1/2-1/2
IX EICC T/B WChQual • 2008★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Bareev,E1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates Finals • 2007★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Kachiani,K1/2-1/2
1st WCh-Team Women • 2007★ Notable
Polgar,Ju vs Bareev,E1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
Amber Blindfold • 2007★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2006★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
WCh • 2004★ Notable

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