Caro–Kann Defence
chess opening 1.e4 c6
The Caro–Kann Defence is a chess opening beginning with the moves:
1. e4 c6
Black prepares to contest the centre with 2...d5. It is a common defence against 1.e4. The Caro–Kann Defence reflects chess principles such as central control. The Caro–Kann is considered a positional opening, though there are still plenty of tactical variations.
The Caro–Kann is classified as a Semi-Open Game, like the Sicilian Defence and the French Defence, although it is thought to be more solid and less dynamic than the Sicilian. Unlike the similarly motivated French Defence, the Caro–Kann does not hinder the development of Black's queen's bishop. This comes at the cost of a tempo, however, because Black has to play 1...c6 before pushing the pawn to c5, whereas Black can push c7–c5 in one move in the French. The lost tempo means Black can lag in development.
White can combat the Caro–Kann in several different ways.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “Caro–Kann Defence” is chess opening 1.e4 c6. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through Caro, Kann and Defence, not as a finished interpretation.
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