Squeezing the Caro-Kann: Simple Chess

The authors recommend an economical and quite promising method for White to fight against the Caro-Kann Defence – the Exchange system (3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3). This minimalist approach against this classical opening deserves very serious attention today. This is confirmed incidentally by the fact that at present the popularity of the Exchange system (particularly after the year 2017) has increased considerably, and at quite different levels. Easiest way to explain authors' approach is to quote the description given in the previous books of this series: 1. White controls the centre, develops quickly and castles. He DOES NOT strive for a direct clash with the opponent after the first few moves in the opening. 2. White begins active operations only after the completion of our development; as a rule, these will take place in the centre and on the kingside. 3. Of course it is necessary to know the theory and to calculate the variations precisely, but in general White is striving to reach positions in which the basic strategical principles, the correct evaluation of the arising positions and the ability to choose the correct plan will be at least as important. 4. Finally, White is still fighting for an advantage in the opening. It may be just a small edge, but let’s see how things develop....