Caro-Kann Pawn Structure

Question 1

Set up the Caro-Kann pawn structure from white’s perspective

Answer 1

Question 2

Set up the Caro-Kann pawn structure from Black’s perspective

Answer 2

Question 3

Set up the reversed Caro-Kann pawn structure from White’s perspective

Answer 3

Question 4

Set up the reversed Caro-Kann pawn structure from Black’s perspective

Answer 4

Question 5

What are the four plans for White in the Caro-Kann pawn structure?

Answer 5

1. Kingside attack
2. Center lockdown
3. c5 push
4. d5 explosion

Question 6

What are the four plans for Black in the Caro-Kann pawn structure?

Answer 6

1. c5 break
2. e5 break
3. Target d4
4. Wing attack on c4

Question 7

What are the 3 steps in White’s typical Caro-Kann kingside attack plan? Play these moves on a board.

Answer 7

1. Ne5
2. Diagonal battery against h7
3. Push h- and g- pawns

Question 8

How does White prepare a d5 explosion in a Caro-Kann? Play these four moves on a board.

Answer 8

1. c4
2. Rd1
3. Re1 to pin e6
4. Bg2

Question 9

When is a d5 explosion in the Caro-Kann a good plan?

Answer 9

When White is better developed and can exploit the open position.

Question 10

What is White trying to achieve in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan?

Answer 10

Stop Black’s c5 and e5 breaks

Question 11

What are the best squares for White’s knights in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan, and why? Recreate them on a board.

Answer 11

Nb3 to control c5

Ne5 to stop e5

Question 12

What is the best square for White’s queen in the Caro-Kann center lockdown plan, and why?

Answer 12

Qe3

To control c5 and e5

Question 13

What are two ways for White to punish Black after f6? Play these moves on the board.

Answer 13

Attack the e-pawn down the e-file

Play Qb3 to hit e6 and b7

Question 14

What are two reasons why White might push c5?

Answer 14

1. Try to put a knight on the d6 hole
2. Stop Black’s c5

Question 15

What are two drawbacks to White pushing c5?

Answer 15

1. d4 pawn is backwards and weak
2. Can’t play for d5 explosion anymore

Question 16

What are the three things Black gains from the c5 break?

Answer 16

1. Frees the minor pieces
2. Opens the b7 diagonal
3. Gets c5+e5 squares for knights

Question 17

What are White’s 4 responses to the c5 break?

Answer 17

1. dxc5
2. d5 push
3. Be3
4. Leave it and recapture from c3

Question 18

Describe the pawn structure after White meets the c5 break with dxc5

Answer 18

White has a 3-2 Queenside majority. Black has a 4-3 Kingside majority.

Question 19

What two latent forces are released after White meets the c5 break with dxc5?

Answer 19

The d-file and the b7-g2 diagonal

Question 20

What is White’s goal after meeting the c5 break with d5?

Answer 20

Create a passed pawn.

Question 21

Describe the pawn structure after c5 d5 exd5 Nxd5

Answer 21

Symmetrical

Question 22

When White responds to c5 with Be3, Black can reach the same pawn structure as after dxc5. So what’s the point?

Answer 22

White may want to have the bishop on d4.

Question 23

What usually happens when White meets the c5 break with c3?

Answer 23

Transpose into an IQP.

Question 24

This pawn structure can transform into an IQP. What is the most common way that happens?

Answer 24

Black’s c5 break, White plays c3, swap

Question 25

What are two benefits for Black of the e5 break over the c5 break?

Answer 25

1. The position after exchanging is symmetrical
2. The c8 bishop is immediately free to operate

Question 26

Why is the e5 break harder for Black to pull off?

Answer 26

White’s Nf3 controls e5

Question 27

What two maneuvers would Black like to play to attack the d4 pawn?

Answer 27

Be7-f6, rooks on the d-file

Question 28

What is the best time for black to attack the d4 pawn?

Answer 28

After White has pushed c5

Question 29

What is the purpose of a wing attack on c4?

Answer 29

To put pressure on White’s center

Question 30

How would Black do a wing attack on c4?

Answer 30

Push b5.