Sicilian PGN File Najdorf Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Sicilian Defense]

[•: To the Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation]

The Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense chess opening being large to learn, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you can download a special PGN file on the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense. The following is more information on the Najdorf PGN file -- you can find the download link and more explanations about the file below.

• Ads: 350 Endgame Puzzles |2 pdf eBooks| to Raise Your Skill to Win Endgame

I. Sicilian Najdorf PGN File: About


Najdorf variation of Sicilian Defense
As shown in the above picture, the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense starts with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 -- and using PGN files is a great way to learn chess openings and their many variations by replaying the PGN files via any PGN viewer program that can open and read the files.

The current Najdorf PGN file (its download link is below) includes 74 games on the Sicilian Najdorf variation. Of them: • 9 games were played by Bobby Fischer in 1956-1971; • 9 games were played by Garry Kasparov in 1994-2005; • 56 games were played by FIDE chess players rated 2250 and above.

The chess games were sorted by the playing lines of the Najdorf variation: • English Attack 6.Be3; • Main line 6.Bg5; • Najdorf 6.Be2; • Najdorf 6.Bc4; • Najdorf 6.f4; • Najdorf 6.g3; • Najdorf 6.h3. The games were analyzed by a computer program at the end of the opening phase.

To recall, the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense begins with the moves:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6

II. Sicilian Najdorf PGN File: Download


To download the Sicilian Najdorf PGN file (from Google Drive), click the following link:

Download Sicilian Najdorf PGN File, 61 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see chess games inside, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

To the Main Page of Sicilian Defense Opening

To the Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation

To see all chess opening lessons, click the following link :

Chess Openings - See All Lessons

• Ads: 350 Endgame Puzzles |2 pdf eBooks| to Raise Your Skill to Win Endgame

Note 3. This chess opening website chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com is designed for beginners (mainly) and intermediate chess players to learn chess openings, one by one, using chess opening lessons divided into 3 main parts (as of 4 July 2020, there were 45 lessons). You can learn the openings on-site by text, video, big pictures, small images, PDF ebooks and PGN files.

Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Sicilian Defense]

This chess information is designed for chess beginners to learn the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense. On this page, you will find interesting information and official data on the Najdorf variation, and see chess video on the Najdorf. Special PGN files on this variation will be provided later on a separate page.

The Najdorf variation is number one variation of the Sicilian Defense. This variation of the Sicilian is very popular at the chess master level and at the top level of chess. It was very popular among many World Chess Champions including Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov. Why it is called the Najdorf variation?

It is named after the Polish-Argentinian Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf (born Mieczyslaw Najdorf, 1910-1997) who contributed a lot to the variation. The Najdorf variation is one of the sharpest variations of the Sicilian Defense and may be not easy to learn because of many decent lines of play.

Najdorf Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: The Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense
Moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
ECO Codes: B90-B99

Najdorf variation of Sicilian Defense

By popularity, White has 3 most common answers (6.Be3, 6.Bg5, Be2) and 4 less common moves (6.Bc4, 6.f4, 6.g3, 6.h3). The White answer 6.Be3 is officially named the Byrne (English) Attack, the 6.Bg5 answer is unofficially called the Main Line, and 6.Bc4 is the Fischer-Sozin Attack.

Sicilian Najdor Variation: Video


To understand in a visible way the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense, to get a general picture and presentation of this variation, and to study the most common playing lines of the Najdorf, you are recommended to see the following video. The video runs for 4 min 32 sec. To start the video, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Download There Najdorf Variation PGN File

Return to the Main Page of Sicilian Defense

Note. To see one video must be not enough to learn it. Because the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense is large, there on a separate page was published a special PGN file to learn this variation. You can find and download the Najdorf PGN file by clicking one of 2 links placed above. Thank you!

Sicilian Defense | Lesson 42


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: Links to Latest Chess Opening Information]

Lesson 42 will help you learn the Sicilian Defense chess opening, and this is the Main Page for the Sicilian Defense on this website. Find the data and description, the main lines and variations of the Sicilian Defense in Part I on this page. See the video under the name of "Sicilian Defense Main Variations" in Part II.

Find more links on the Sicilian Defense in Part III at the bottom. The bottom links will open other pages to learn the following main variations of the Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (text, video), Najdorf Variation PGN File (pgn download), Dragon Variation (text, video), Scheveningen Variation (text, video).

I. Sicilian Defense: Data and Description


Chess Opening Name: Sicilian Defense
Type: Semi-Open Game (1.e4 other than e5)
Moves: 1.e4 c5
ECO: B20-B99

Sicilian defense

The Sicilian Defense chess opening was invented by Giulio Polerio in 1594. This opening was first named as Sicilian Defense by Jacob Sarratt in 1813. The Sicilian Defense is the most popular opening in the game of chess. It is an organic chess opening, beautiful, and considered as the best defense for Black.

Because the Sicilian Defense is strong defense for Black, sometimes White avoids this opening by starting the game with 1.d4. There are 3 main lines that cover 70% of all Sicilian play as follows. 1st Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 ~ 30%. 2nd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 ~ 25%. 3rd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 ~ 15%.

The Sicilian Defense has many variations. The Najdorf, Dragon and Scheveningen variations are the most common in the Sicilian. They all run via 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6. The following is the list of 15 main Sicilian variations - in the order of popularity. You can see these variations in the video below.

• Najdorf variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6, B90-B99.
• Dragon variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6, B70-B79.
• Scheveningen variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, B80-B89.

• Rossolimo Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, B30-B31.
• Classical variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2, B58-B59.
• 2.Nf3 e6 variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6, B40-B49.

• Sicilian Counter-Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4, B40.
• Closed variation [3.g3]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3, B24-B25.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [3.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4, B23.

• Alapin variation: 1.e4 c5 2.c3, B22.
• Smith-Morra Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3, B21.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [2.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.f4, B21.

• Steinitz variation: 1.e4 c5 2.g3, B20.
• Keres variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Ne2, B20.
• Wing Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.b4, B20.

II. Sicilian Defense: Video Main Variations


The below video on the Sicilian Defense runs for 4 minutes and 37 seconds, and it includes the following 3 parts. Part I is a general description of the Sicilian Defense. Part II will show 3 main lines of playing the opening. Part III will show 15 main variations of the Sicilian. To see the video, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video hasn't shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

III. Sicilian Defense: More Links


More links on the Sicilian Defense chess opening will be placed here below at a later stage. They will show you how to correctly play the main variations of the Sicilian Defense. Thank you for you patience! To learn how to play the main variations of the Sicilian Defense, click the following links:

Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation [text, video]

Sicilian Defense Najdorf PGN File [pgn download]

Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation [text, video]

Sicilian Defense Scheveningen Variation [text, video]

See all lessons on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com:

Links to All Chess Openings - See All Lessons

Here, on this you have studied the Sicilian Defense chess opening. Please be advised that this page is the Main page for the Sicilian Defense opening on this website and this was Lesson 42 for beginners and intermediate players on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com. Thank you!

French Defense Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of French Defense]

This page is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense chess opening. The Tarrasch variation 3.Nd2 of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2) is popular today, and it is the 2nd most common variation of the French, after its main line 3.Nc3.

Tarrasch Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Tarrasch variation of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2
ECO Codes: C03-C09

Tarrasch variation of French Defense

The Tarrasch variation of the French starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2... It is ECO codes C03-C09. At the beginning, White makes slight delay to support the center with his knight from d2. The 2nd White knight may also temporary land on e2. Later, the knights usually jump aside.

The Tarrasch variation of the French is a delicate opening with good chances for the both parties. The typical White moves in this variation at a later stage are: e5, c3, Bd3, Nd2-Nb3, Ne2-Nf3. The typical Black moves in this variation are: c5, Nf6, Bd6 or Be7, later Nc6. Usually, White and Black castle kingside.

Black tries to undermine the White pawn structure... The Tarrasch variation has 4 main lines according to the following Black answers: • 3... Nf6 ~ 40%; • 3... c5 ~ 30%; • 3... dxe4 ~ 10%; • 3... Be7 ~ 5%. The most popular line: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.c3 c5 6.Bd3 Nc6...

French Defense, Tarrasch Variation: Video


To see in a visible way the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense and to learn how to correctly play its 4 proven lines, you are recommended the following video. This video must give you a proper understanding of the Tarrasch variation of the French:




• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Return to the Main Page of French Defense

Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense. The variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2; it includes ECO codes C03-C09 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of French Defense]

This page is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Main Line 3.Nc3 (or Paulsen variation) of the French Defense. This line starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. Unofficially, the line is called the main line 3.Nc3 of the French... But officially, its name is the Paulsen variation of the French Defense.

French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Paulsen Variation of the French Defense
Unofficial Name: Main Line of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3

Paulsen variation of French Defense

The line 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 is called the Main Line because 40 percent of the French games start like that. The main line or Paulsen variation is very popular at the chess master level and at the top level of chess today. And the following is more information on this variation. You are also recommended to see the video below.

The main line of the French Defense or Paulsen variation gives decent opening possibilities both for White and Black. Maybe this is one of the main reasons of great popularity of this way of playing the French Defense. After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3, Black has the following 3 main options to continue:

• Winawer (Nimzovich) variation, 3... Bb4.
• Classical variation, 3... Nf6.
• Rubinstein variation, 3... dxe4.

French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation: Video


To see in a visible way the main line or Paulsen variation of the French Defense and (its 3 continuations) the Winawer, Classical, and Rubinstein variations, you are recommended to see the video below. This video will show the most common proven lines of playing the French Defense on the topic covered:




• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Return to the Main Page of French Defense

Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Main Line of the French Defense chess opening (or Paulsen Variation). The variation starts with the following moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Advance Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of French Defense]

This information is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the French Defense. The Advance variation is one of the most playable variation of the French Defense. Find below official data, read description about this variation, and see chess video on the Advance.

Advance Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Advance Variation of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
ECO Code: C02

Advance variation of French Defense

The French Advance is interesting in play, with mutual chances. White moves 3.e5 to get some space, and Black tries to undermine on d4. Mostly, the game runs 3... c5 4.c3. Usually White castles kingside and Black queenside. The following is 2 Main Lines of this variation:

Line 1: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3 [or 6.Be2]...
Line 2: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 [or 6... f6]...
The above-mentioned 2 Main Lines are popular at the grandmaster level.

The following is other 4 ways to start the French Advance variation:
Way 1: 3... c5 4.c3 Qb6...     Way 2: 3... c5 4.Nf3 Nc6...
Way 3: 3... b6 4.c3 Qd7...     Way 4: 3... Nc6 4.Nf3 Nge7...

French Defense, Advance Variation: Video


Below is the chess video on the Advance variation of the French Defense chess opening. The video consists of the following 3 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II shows how to correctly play 2 Main Lines. Part III shows next 4 common ways to start the Advance variation:




• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

To the Main Page of French Defense

Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Advance Variation of the French Defense. The variation is popular enough, starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5; and it is ECO code C02 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Exchange Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of French Defense]

This page is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The exchange variation is one of the most playable variation within this chess opening. Please find the official data, general description and a chess video about this variation below.

Exchange Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Exchange variation of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
ECO Code: C01

Exchange variation of French Defense

The French Defense, Exchange has reputation of simple, "symmetrical" and drawing variation. After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 (the designated moves of this variation), the most common answer for Black is 3... exd5. The most common lines of the Exchange variation are the following 5:

• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3...

• 3... exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5...
• 3... exd5 4.c4 Nf6...
The last line breaks "the symmetry" of the Exchange variation.

French Defense, Exchange Variation: Video


Below is the chess video on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The video runs 3 minutes 41 seconds and consists of 2 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II will show you how to correctly play 5 Proven Lines of the French Exchange.




• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

To the Main Page of French Defense Opening

On this lesson for chess beginners, you have received the initial information about the Exchange Variation of the French Defense. The variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5; it is ECO code C01 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. By clicking the link above, you can return to the main page of the French Defense chess opening.

French Defense | Lesson 41


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: Links to Latest Chess Opening Information]

This is the main page to learn the French Defense on this website, and this lesson is designed for chess beginners. Here you can find official data, explanations, general description of the French Defense chess opening in Part I (below) and see the "French Defense General Information" video in Part II (at the middle).

Here you can also find more links to this chess opening in Part III (at the bottom of this page) to understand how to play its main variations: Exchange Variation, Advance Variation, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation, and Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2. French Defense is an Semi-Open Game opening -- it begins with 1.e4   other than e5.

I. French Defense: Data and Description


Chess Opening: French Defense (1.e4 e6)
Type: Semi-Open Game (1.e4 other than e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e6
ECO Codes: C00-C19

French Defense chess opening

After the Sicilian Defense, the French Defense is the 2nd most popular semi-open game chess opening. It was named after an 1834 correspondence match between London and Paris. During it, a French chess player insisted to try 1... e6. White usually presses on kingside and Black on queenside.

The next is the answering statistics to the French Defense:
• 2.d4 ~ 80%. • 2.d3 ~ 10%.
• other moves ~ 10% (2.Nf3, 2.Nc3, 2.Qe2, 2.b3, 2.c4, ..).

The following is 5 main (most common) variations of the French Defense:
• French Defense, Exchange variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 - C01.
• French Defense, Advance variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 - C02.

• French Defense, Tarrasch variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 - C03.
• French Defense, Paulsen variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 - C10.
• French Defense, Winawer (Nimzovich) variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 - C15.

To see the French Defense in a visible way, please find the video below.

II. French Defense: Video General Information


The video will show the designated moves of the French Defense, ECO codes, general description, answering statistics, 5 most common variations, and the most common line. The video consists of 4 parts and runs 3 minutes 16 seconds. To see the video on French Defense General Information, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video hasn't shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

III. French Defense: Find More Links


More links on this chess opening will follow on. And they will show how to correctly play the main variations of the French Defense... Thank you!

French Defense, Exchange Variation [text, video]

French Defense, Advance Variation [text, video]

French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation [text, video]

French Defense, Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2 [text, video]

See all opening lessons on this website:

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

Here, on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the French Defense chess opening... This is the Main page on this chess opening website and Lesson 41 for beginners and intermediate players for the French Defense. The French Defense is a popular semi-open game, starts with 1.e4 e6, and occupies ECO Codes C00-C19 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you!

Caro-Kann Defense Classical Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense]

This lesson will give you initial knowledge about the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Classical variation is the 4th most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. To learn how to correctly play it, please find below the official data, textual description and a chess video on the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann.

Caro-Kann Defense, Classical Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5
ECO Code: B18

Classical variation of Caro Kann Defense

The variation is the classics of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. The Classical variation is considered "the most correct" Caro-Kann Defense. The White knight on e4 is under attack after 4... Bf5 and the Classical variation has 2 playing lines: with 5.Ng3 (main) and with 5.Nc5 (rare).

The line 5.Ng3 mostly runs 5... Bg6 6.h4 h6 - then this variation line goes as usual development for the both parties. White usually makes long or short castle while Black long. The typical moves are h4, Nf3, Bd3 for the White player and h6, Nd7, Qc7 for the Black player.

The line 5.Nc5 is rare because Black can easily get at least equal position, sometimes with an initiative. Within this variation line, Black may answer 5... Qc7, 5... Nd7 or attacking the White knight with b6 or e5. You can see this in Part III of the video which follows.

Caro-Kann Defense, Classical Variation: Video


See the video below to get an idea of what is the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts and runs for 3 minutes 54 seconds. Part I is introduction. Part II will show how to play a most common line with 5.Ng3. Part III will show how to play a proven line with 5.Nc5 and more.




• If the opening video hasn't shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

To the Main Page of Caro-Cann Defense

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5; it is ECO code B18 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. The variation is considered the "most correct" Caro-Kann.

Caro-Kann Defense Advance Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense]

This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Advance variation is the 3rd most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. Please find below on this page the official data, textual description and a chess video on the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense to learn.

Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
ECO Code: B12

Advance variation of Caro Kann Defense

The variation is named Advance because the White pawn e2-e4 moves (advances) later on e5. Usually, it is not recommended to move a chess piece twice at the opening, but moving twice here is OK because of extra space. Black has to begin the chess game in a small room...

There are 2 play lines of the Advance variation - with 3... Bf5 (main) and with 3... c5 (rare). With 3... Bf5, White usually answers 4.Nf3 or 4.Nc3. Black plays 4... e6 and may develop the g8 knight on e7, g6. Black must be ready to play h6 or h5 to hide the Bf5 bishop.

With 3... c5, White may answers 4.dxc5, 4.c3, or 4.Nf3. With 3... c5, Black is going to undermine the White base pawn on d4. The typical Black moves here are Nc6 and e6. Under correct play, Black must get equal opening positions within the both lines of the Advance...

Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation: Video


See the video below to get an idea of what is the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts and runs for 3 minutes 42 seconds. Part I is introduction. Part II will show how to play a most common line with 3... Bf5. Part III will show how to play a proven line with 3... c5.




• If the opening video hasn't shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

To return to the main page of the Caro-Kann Defense, click the following link:

To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5; in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings it occupies ECO code B12. The variation has 2 playing lines.