Learn the Caro-Kann in 15 Minutes [Chess Openings Crash Course]

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov provides you with a complete chess opening crash course on the Caro-Kann Defense, which occurs after the opening moves 1.e4 c6. Whether you play 1.e4 as White or play the Caro-Kann Defense as Black, you should watch this video.

GM Igor Smirnov's goal is to give you a complete overview of this opening, move by move, so that you understand it completely instead of memorizing several different variations.

You will learn how to play against the common responses of White including the Exchange Variation, the Advance Variation, and the mainline where White opts for 3.Nc3. You will learn the common ideas, middlegame plans, and most importantly, some IgorNation special tricks!

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► Chapters

00:00 Learn the Caro-Kann Defense Chess Opening
00:34 Mikhail Tal trolled Bobby Fischer
02:47 3 main variations of the Caro-Kann Defense
05:13 2) Advance Variation: 3.e5
05:55 2.1) 3...Bf5, Mainline
06:40 2.2) 3...c5, Botvinnik-Carls Defense
08:50 3) Mainline: 3.Nc3
09:50 Do NOT fall into this TRAP!
10:25 4...Nf6, Korchnoi or Tartakower Variation
12:00 Common Middlegame Plans for Black
14:00 Example Middlegame
15:01 Tactical Quiz: Marcus Kann's game
15:19 Caro-Kann Defense for White
15:35 4.f3, Rasa-Studier Gambit

#IgorNation #CaroKann #ChessOpenings #CaroKannDefense #ChessOpening

[TheLepidopteristkasi]

I think of the move Rc1.
If R×c1, Qxd4+ winning queen
If Qxb6, Rxd1+ and then take the queen
Btw your videos are amazing. Keep it up. I wish to see more about this opening

[davidbatchelder]

I just ordered your course, elo 2000. After just a few reviews in the lessons. I am thinking different. Which is very refreshing. I did not win the first two games, time problem but I was confident to learn and looking at the game through new eyes. I just want to thank you. May Jesus bless you and your family for your gift. Amen

[JustinKhoe]

It took me a while, but I finally understand that it's the "advance" variation... not the "advanced" variation. Anyone else? lol

[GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters

00:00 Learn the Caro-Kann Defense Chess Opening
00:34 Mikhail Tal trolled Bobby Fischer
02:47 3 main variations of the Caro-Kann Defense
03:16 1) Exchange Variation: 3.exd5
05:13 2) Advance Variation: 3.e5
05:55 2.1) 3...Bf5, Mainline
06:40 2.2) 3...c5, Botvinnik-Carls Defense
08:50 3) Mainline: 3.Nc3
09:50 Do NOT fall into this TRAP!
10:25 4...Nf6, Korchnoi or Tartakower Variation
12:00 Common Middlegame Plans for Black
14:00 Example Middlegame
15:01 Tactical Quiz: Marcus Kann's game
15:19 Caro-Kann Defense for White
15:35 4.f3, Rasa-Studier Gambit

[robertpease]

RC1!, both the queen and rook are pinned to the king. If they trade queens you RxR then PXQ, if RXR then QxQ, if the knight moves, it is a free knight.

[tristankazgmail]

A video this well built and explained, while around 20 min. A fantastic constant information stream. This is why I watch, thank you for making this crash course exist I really can not find other videos as excellent as these

[SasakiKimura]

This is by far the best Caro Kann defense tutorial around. Thanks a lot mate ✌️

[thecakeredux]

Started playing the Caro-Kann a couple of months ago, all of the discussed positions appear very, very frequently and it's super easy to play. Even in the advanced variation, knowing just a handful of developing maneuvers makes it really simple, and it's the opening that made me prefer black over white. White's frustration and difficulty to find ideas often leads to crazy positions and an advantage in the mid game, it's really fun.

[nwood]

Igor, would love a video as White from the opening moves 1. e5 c6 2. Nf3 d4 3. exd4 cxd4 4. Ne5 (Apocalypses Variation of the Caro-Kann?)I've been playing this against the Caro, and it's super fun to play and not well-known.

[gratuitoustv]

Finally!!!! I really appreciate this, and now I patiently wait for in depth Stone Wall video

[cedricgist]

You won me over! I have an adopted coach - but your videos keep popping up in my queue at opportune times and I just have to stop and watch.

This may be the 5th or 6th video of yours I've seen. I like your presentation, your energy, your matter-of-fact yet inviting style. I want to recoil at yet another example of Russian dominance - but the Cold War is over and your personality shines.

I wasn't intending to explore the Caro-Kann right now - but the promise of a brief introduction - less than 20 minutes - drew me in. I am mindful of our short attention spans in this age - and although I am a senior, I'm not readily inclined to invest 30 minutes or more on a topic that doesn't interest me, or from a content provider I'm unfamiliar with. You've broken both barriers, GM Smirnov - and I have subscribed. Thank you for sharing your passion for the Game!

[deviable]

Igor, Please do similar video for French defence. Thank you.

[mathousbs]

I was waiting for this video for so long!!! I like this these openings videos like the one that you did on the french defense 🇫🇷. Can you do one on the sicilian defense next?

[predragknezevic]

Ha ha, first game after I watched this video I was white and sure enough my opponent plays Caro-Kann defense and exactly the line explained (gambit). I crushed him few moves after... Fun stuff, cheers...😊

[-Madhuri-sszg]

Rcl pinning the d1 rook variation is Rc1, qb6 rxd1 after axb6.

[thechessfish]

This is great if your opponent knows literally zero theory, hope you make a follow up video actually covering the main lines, or sidelines like the two knights attack or the fantasy

[AZRockiesFan]

at 16:42 an alternative move (with a similar engine valuation) you can play 7. Ne5 ! threatening mate with the bishop to f7 and "sacs the queen" in the process which is always fun. Black's only move to not be even worse is to play 7. ... Be6 where you then trade bishops, double their e & f pawns, and just overall have a comfortable position from a human's point of view

[rpralica]

Igor You are simple the best teacher, thank You.

[robbeschueremans]

Very nice explaining! Thankyou for the video

[mlwangi]

Hey Igor can you please make a video on how to memorize the board the squares and each colors this might help us to calculate better.