Check is in the Mail, August 2025: Caro-Kann Defense (Advance Variation)

The Caro-Kann Defense (Advance Variation) is, by far, the most popular opening over the last year, from June 2024 to May 2025, for players participating in US Chess ICCF server-based games. With just over 5% of the games on the server using the Caro-Kann (Advance Variation) over the last year, no other opening even came close in popularity.

The Advance Variation is a family of lines within the Caro-Kann Defense, which is one of the most solid and respected responses to 1.e4.

The ECO Code for the Caro-Kann Defense (Advance Variation) is B12.

Historical research for the Caro-Kann Defense informs us that the name is the combination of two men: Horatio Caro, from the United Kingdom, and Marcus Kann, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Interestingly, in 1890, an article was published referring to the Caro-Kann Defense, and that article was the first time the name included a hyphenation.

Starting Moves:

1. e4 c6
2. d4 (or 2. Nc3/Nf3)

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2. d4		2. Nc3 (Closed)		2. Nf3

Typical Continuations:

2. ... d5 leads to the main Caro-Kann lines (B13-B19). 

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2. ... d5

2. ... Na6, 2. ... Nf6, or 2. ... g6 are less common and fall under B12.

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2. ... Na6 (de Bruyker)		2. ... Nf6 (Masi Variation)		2. ... g6 (Modern)

Strategic Themes:

- Black aims for a solid pawn structure and central control.
- Often delays piece development for flexibility.
- White can choose aggressive setups (Advance Variation) or positional ones (Classical, Panov).

Masters who use/have used the Caro-Kann (Advance Variation):

As White:
- Garry Kasparov: Known for his aggressive style, Kasparov used the Advance Variation to put immediate pressure on Black, especially in his early career.
- Alexei Shirov: A tactical wizard, Shirov played sharp lines like 4. Nc3 followed by 5. g4, aiming for dynamic kingside attacks.
- Magnus Carlsen: While not a regular devotee, Carlsen has used the Advance Variation to surprise opponents and steer games into complex middlegame positions.
- Anish Giri: Has explored quieter positional lines like 4. Be3 or 4. Nd2 e6 5. Nb3, aiming to restrict Black's counterplay.

As Black:
- Anatoly Karpov: A legendary positional player, Karpov often faced the Advance Variation and demonstrated how to neutralize White's space advantage with precise maneuvering.
- Fabiano Caruana: Has played the Caro-Kann extensively, including against the Advance Variation, showcasing modern defensive techniques and counterattacking plans.
- Vishwanathan Anand: Another world champion who's used the Caro-Kann to great effect, including against aggressive Advance lines.

In Conclusion:

All Games in this issue of Check is in the Mail are games highlighting the Caro-Kann Defense, and specifically the Advance Variation. 

 

Games

Game 1

This game was played by Lawrence Gladding and Nicholas Sloan. From the USCF/WS/25W05 tournament, Gladding resigned after Sloan's in 28th move.

Game 2

This game was played by Joseph Hawkins and Gregory Hall. From the USCF/WS/25VP01 tournament, Hall resigned after Halkings' 27th move.