How to Play the Caro-Kann – A practical Black repertoire against 1.e4

With How to Play the Caro-Kann Defence, Àlvar Alonso Rosell presents his first ChessBase Fritztrainer, offering a Black repertoire based on the solid Caro-Kann Defence. Spanning two parts and nearly nine hours of video content, it provides a comprehensive introduction to this opening.

In the introduction, the Spanish Grandmaster points out that the Caro-Kann is often chosen not just for its solidity but also for its potential to create unbalanced positions, making it a weapon to play for a win. Why? Because it leads to asymmetrical pawn structures.

Position after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6

Better pawn structure vs. free and dynamic play

Like other recent Caro-Kann repertoires, Alonso Rosell opts in the classical mainline 3.Nc3 (or 3.Nd2) dxe4 4.Nxe4 for the modern 4...Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6, which has become well established at the top level.

According to Alonso Rosell, any fear of losing in the pawn endgame quickly dissipates with practical experience in this variation. White has a long journey to reach the endgame, while Black enjoys dynamic possibilities, especially if White plays cautiously.

In critical tests following 6.c3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 Re8+ 9.Ne2 h5! and so on, White typically goes for a kingside attack. Here, the knight manoeuvre ...Nf8 is crucial for Black's king safety. A revelation for me was how frequently the alternative ...Na6 can be an excellent choice if White proceeds less energetically. Inspired by this, I successfully tested one of Alonso Rosell's recommendations in a local rapid tournament shortly after watching the course – see the game fragment below.

Position after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5

Caption: The Carlsbad structure with reversed colours emerges

How to play the Caro- Kann Defence Vol. 1

Unlock the secrets of one of the most resilient and strategic openings in chess with our comprehensive video course, “The Caro-Kann Defence.”

The popular Exchange Variation also offers unbalanced structures from the start. Refreshingly, Alonso Rosell continues after 4.Bd3 with 4...Nf6!? (5.c3 Bg4) instead of the more commonly recommended main move 4...Nc6, giving Caro-Kann enthusiasts an opportunity to expand their repertoire.

In other cases, the Spanish Grandmaster often favours practical alternatives over heavily theoretical mainlines. For instance, the trendy 6...a6!? against the Panov-Botvinnik Attack (3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nf3) or 3...c5 instead of 3...Bf5 against the Advance Variation.

"As the engines get better, the engines get stupider". This philosophical observation is a recurring theme in Alonso Rosell's presentation. In modern chess theory, positions often arrive at 0.00 evaluations. But what does this even mean? The engine evaluation tells us nothing about whether the position is a nightmare for Black on the board, requiring precise moves to avoid an immediate knockout. At times, Alonso Rosell offers his audience two options: the objectively best but theory-heavy line, and a second choice, which may not completely equalise against perfect White play but is far easier to learn.

For example, he presents two options against the tricky Endgame Variation 2.Nf3 d5 3.d3.

Position after 1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.d3

Alonso Rosell explains that this line is dangerous because White aims to maintain symmetry in the pawn structure while exerting slight initiative. The best objective response is to transition into the endgame after 3...dxe4 4.dxe4 Qxd1+ 5.Kxd1, though Black still needs accuracy to fully equalise. Alternatively, 3...Qc7!? can be employed, which is riskier but likely to catch most opponents off guard.

Throughout his presentation, the Spanish Grandmaster, who often draws comparisons to other openings, demonstrates his practical approach. Viewers can gain valuable insights into modern opening preparation at the Grandmaster level.

Conclusion

GM Alonso Rosell delivers a modern Black repertoire against 1.e4 in a clear and engaging style. This repertoire serves as both an introduction to the Caro-Kann and a valuable resource for experienced players looking to update and expand their repertoire. The accompanying database in the bonus section of the Fritztrainer aligns with the variations covered in the videos. While less comprehensive than repertoire books, the practical alternatives often recommended by the Spanish GM ensure that there is something new and exciting for every Caro-Kann player.

How to play the Caro- Kann Defence Vol. 1 & 2

Unlock the secrets of one of the most resilient and strategic openings in chess with our comprehensive video course, “The Caro-Kann Defence.”