Caro-Kann Pawn Structure Flashcards
Set up the Caro-Kann pawn structure from white’s perspective
Set up the Caro-Kann pawn structure from Black’s perspective
Set up the reversed Caro-Kann pawn structure from White’s perspective
Set up the reversed Caro-Kann pawn structure from Black’s perspective
What are the four plans for White in the Caro-Kann pawn structure?
- Kingside attack
- Center lockdown
- c5 push
- d5 explosion
What are the four plans for Black in the Caro-Kann pawn structure?
- c5 break
- e5 break
- Target d4
- Wing attack on c4
What are the 3 steps in White’s typical Caro-Kann kingside attack plan? Play these moves on a board.
- Ne5
- Diagonal battery against h7
- Push h- and g- pawns
How does White prepare a d5 explosion in a Caro-Kann? Play these four moves on a board.
- c4
- Rd1
- Re1 to pin e6
- Bg2
When is a d5 explosion in the Caro-Kann a good plan?
When White is better developed and can exploit the open position.
What is White trying to achieve in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan?
Stop Black’s c5 and e5 breaks
What are the best squares for White’s knights in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan, and why? Recreate them on a board.
Nb3 to control c5
Ne5 to stop e5
What is the best square for White’s queen in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan, and why?
Qe3
To control c5 and e5
What are two ways for White to punish Black after f6? Play these moves on the board.
Attack the e-pawn down the e-file
Play Qb3 to hit e6 and b7
What are two reasons why White might push c5?
- Try to put a knight on the d6 hole
- Stop Black’s c5
What are two drawbacks to White pushing c5?
- d4 pawn is backwards and weak
- Can’t play for d5 explosion anymore
What are the three things Black gains from the c5 break?
- Frees the minor pieces
- Opens the b7 diagonal
- Gets c5+e5 squares for knights
What are White’s 4 responses to the c5 break?
- dxc5
- d5 push
- Be3
- Leave it and recapture from c3
Describe the pawn structure after White meets the c5 break with dxc5
White has a 3-2 Queenside majority. Black has a 4-3 Kingside majority.
What two latent forces are released after White meets the c5 break with dxc5?
The d-file and the b7-g2 diagonal
What is White’s goal after meeting the c5 break with d5?
Create a passed pawn.
Describe the pawn structure after c5 d5 exd5 Nxd5
Symmetrical
When White responds to c5 with Be3, Black can reach the same pawn structure as after dxc5. So what’s the point?
White may want to have the bishop on d4.
What usually happens when White meets the c5 break with c3?
Transpose into an IQP.
This pawn structure can transform into an IQP. What is the most common way that happens?
Black’s c5 break, White plays c3, swap
What are two benefits for Black of the e5 break over the c5 break?
- The position after exchanging is symmetrical
- The c8 bishop is immediately free to operate
Why is the e5 break harder for Black to pull off?
White’s Nf3 controls e5
What two maneuvers would Black like to play to attack the d4 pawn?
Be7-f6, rooks on the d-file
What is the best time for black to attack the d4 pawn?
After White has pushed c5
What is the purpose of a wing attack on c4?
To put pressure on White’s center
How would Black do a wing attack on c4?
Push b5.
