1.e4 — the open games
Caro-Kann Defence
1.e4 c6ECO B10–B19
The French's sturdier cousin: Black challenges the centre with …d5 but keeps the light-squared bishop free. Reliable and hard to crack — a great choice for players who like a safe, sound game.
Key ideas
- …c6 prepares …d5 while leaving the c8-bishop a path to freedom via f5 or g4.
- Black gets a solid structure with few weaknesses and easy development.
- White plays for a lasting space edge; Black aims for a resilient, drawish-but-tough position.
Who it suits
Players who value soundness and want a low-risk, hard-to-beat defence to 1.e4.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Caro-Kann Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer