Chess Openings - The Caro-Kann Defense
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1. e4 c6
The usual continuation would be:
2. d4 d5
The Caro-Kann Defense responds to the King's Pawn Opening with 1... c6. Like the French Defense, black prepares an immediate centre thrust: 2... d5. The defense is named after the English player Horatio Caro and the Austrian player Marcus Kann. Together, they analyzed the defense in the late 1800's.
The defense is solid and sound, and ranks as one of the most respected defenses to 1. e4. The idea behind the Caro-Kann is to secure the advantages of the French (solidity) while avoiding the disadvantages (cramped position, blocked Queen's Bishop). While the defense achieves these aims to some degree, the Caro-Kann is considered to have less opportunity for counterplay than the French.
How Common is The Caro-Kann Defense?
Uncommon at Novice Level
Common at Master Level
The opening is commonly played at the master level, largely due to it's solidity. Novices tend to eschew the defense in favour of more flashy, fighting moves (see the Sicilian Defense next). Expect to face the Caro-Kann about 5% of the time when playing 1. e4.