1.e4 — the open games
Caro-Kann, Bronstein-Larsen Variation
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ gxf6ECO B16
A fighting, unbalanced Caro: Black recaptures on f6 with the g-pawn, accepting a shattered kingside in return for the open g-file, dynamic piece play and attacking chances. Much sharper than the usual solid Caro lines — a choice for players who want to play for a win with Black.
Key ideas
- …gxf6 opens the g-file for a rook and gives Black active piece play and a big pawn centre.
- Black often castles queenside and attacks down the g-file, accepting the doubled f-pawns as the price.
- It's double-edged and combative — the anti-drawish Caro for ambitious players.
Who it suits
Caro players who want unbalanced, winning-chances-both-ways positions rather than a quiet game.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Caro-Kann, Bronstein-Larsen Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer