Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation

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This lesson is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Exchange variation is one of the most popular in the Caro-Kann. See the official data, description and video below. A short PGN file on this variation of the Caro-Kann may follow.

Caro-Kann Defense, Exchange Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
ECO codes: B13-B14
Parent Opening: Caro-Kann Defense



Within the Caro-Kann Defense, the Exchange variation has almost the same popularity as the 3.Nc3 variation. The Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann is B13-B14. After 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5, there are 2 playing lines. Line 1 runs via [3... cxd5] 4.c4 (Exchange, Panov-Botvinnik attack).

Line 2 runs via [3... cxd5] 4.Bd3 which is Exchange, Rubinstein variation. Line 1 with 4.c4 on the Exchange, Panov-Botvinnic attack is approximately twice more popular than Line 2. The main continuation of the Panov-Botvinnic attack is 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nf3 Be7 or 6... Bb4.

Caro-Kann Defense, Exchange Variation: Video

The Panov-Botvinnic attack of the Exchange variation may be characterized by a beautiful chess opening structure with 2 isolated pawns on d4 and d5. You can see this in the video, which follows. It will show how to correctly play 2 proven lines of the Caro-Kann Exchange:




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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening, which has almost the same popularity as the 3.Nc3. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5; it occupies ECO code B13-B14 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings.

Caro-Kann Defense 3.Nc3 Variation

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This information is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The 3.Nc3 variation is one of the most popular in the Caro-Kann. Please read official data, text, and see video below. A short pgn file on the variation will follow.

3.Nc3 Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3
ECO Codes: B15-B19



The Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense is ECO codes B15-B19. Officially, this variation has 15 subvariations - all of them run through the following 3 lines: • 3.Nc3 -- dxe4, • 3.Nc3 -- g6, • 3.Nc3 -- b5. The line 3.Nc3 -- dxe4 is the most popular one; the second popular line is 3.Nc3 -- g6.

The 3.Nc3 variation is sometimes called the Modern variation. It is common at the chess master level and at the top level of chess. For example, in the year 2010 the variation was played by V. Ivanchuk (2764), T. Radjabov (2744), P. Eljanov (2742), J. Polgar (2686).

Caro-Kann Defense, 3.Nc3 Variation: Video

The most popular line of the Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 variation is 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5. To get a feel of the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann, the next video (3 min. 26 seconds) will show you its 1 proven line. The video will also show how to estimate your success in playing any chess opening:




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To learn more, you are welcome to download a PGN file on the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann. The file is 20 games played by chess masters in 2010. The games were analyzed by a computer program and sorted by lines. Best middlegame line for each game is shown:

• Download the Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 Variation PGN File (19 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 Caro-Kann Defense

On this page, you have learned the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening which is also called the Modern variation of the Caro-Kann...

Caro-Kann Defense | Lesson 40

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This page is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. Here on this page you can find official data and description of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening, see chess video "Caro-Kann: General Information", and find more links to this opening at the bottom.

I. Caro-Kann Defense: Data and Description

Chess Opening Name: Caro-Kann Defense
Type: Semi-Open Game (Semi-Open Games begin with 1.e4   other than e5)
Moves Order: 1.e4 c6
ECO Codes: B10–B19



The Caro-Kann Defense is a Semi-Open Game chess opening -- it begins with 1.e4   other than e5. It has reputation of solid and strong defense for Black with creating a good pawn structure for endgame. It is named after the English player Horatio Caro and the Austrian's Marcus Kann. They both analyzed this chess opening in 1886.

The Caro-Kann is a popular opening, and the following is the answering statistics:
• 2.d4 - 80%. • 2.Nc3 - 6%. • 2.c4 - 5%.
• 2.d3 - 3%. • 2.Nf3 - 3%.   Total: 97%.

The following is 8 common variations of the Caro-Kann:
• Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 - B15.
• Caro-Kann, Exchange variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 - B13.
• Caro-Kann, Advance variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 - B12.

• Caro-Kann, Classical variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 - B18.
• Caro-Kann, 3.Nd2 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 - B12.
• Caro-Kann, Tartakower (fantasy) variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3 - B12.

• Caro-Kann, 2.Nc3 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.Nc3 - B10.
• Caro-Kann, Anti-Caro-Kann variation: 1.e4 c6 2.c4 - B10.
To see description of the Caro-Kann in a visible way, please find the video below.

II. Caro-Kann Defense: General Information Video

The video will show the designated moves of the Caro-Kann Defense opening, ECO codes, general description, answering statistics, 8 most common variations. The video consists of 4 parts and runs 2 minutes 40 seconds. To see the video, click the Play button below:




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III. Caro-Kann Defense: Find More Links

Because this is the main page for the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening on this website, below you will find more links on Caro-Kann:

• Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 Variation [text, video, pgn]

• Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation [text, video]

• Caro-Kann, Advance Variation [text, video]

• Caro-Kann, Classical Variation [text, video]

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

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Note. You can use this page as the main page for learning the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening on this website... Thank you!

Semi-Open Games General Information | Lesson 39

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This chess information is designed for beginners and intermediate chess players, and from this lesson on we start to learn the Semi-Open Game chess openings. To get initial information on the Semi-Open Games, please read the text below and see the video "Semi-Open Games: General Info" at the bottom of this page.

Tip: Semi-Open Game chess openings start up with the following moves: 1.e4 ... other than e5.

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Semi-Open Games: Information

Notes: The Semi-Open Game chess openings begin with 1. e4   other than e5. For examples: 1.e4 c6 (Caro-Kann Defense); 1.e4 c5 (Sicilian Defense); 1.e4 e6 (French Defense ); 1.e4 d5 (Scandinavian Defense); 1.e4 Nf6 (Alekhine's Defense)...

The Semi-Open Games are the chess openings which start with 1.e4   other than e5 -- for example 1.e4 c6 (see above); 1.e4 e6; 1.e4 c5. Note. An Open Game chess opening starts with 1.e4 e5. The other name of a Semi-Open Game is Single King Pawn Game because only White moves his king pawn on his 1st move while Black not.

Unlike the Open Games, the Semi-Open Games are more positional in play.
And there are the following 6 main Semi-Open Game chess openings:

• Caro-Kann Defense 1.e4 c6, B10–B19.
• French Defense 1.e4 e6, C00-C19.
• Sicilian Defense 1.e4 c5, B20-B99.

• Alekhine's Defense 1.e4 Nf6, B02-B05.
• Scandinavian Defense 1. e4 d5, B01. Synonym: Center Counter Defense.
• Pirc Defense 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3, B07-B09. Synonym: Ufimtsev [Yugoslav] Defence.

Semi-Open Game Chess Openings: Video

The next video will show you more information -- very interesting -- on the Semi-Open Game chess openings in a visible way. The video runs for 2 minutes 56 seconds. It will show you how to recognize a semi-open game, 6 main semi-open game openings by the initial moves, and you will see their characteristics:




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On this page, you have got a general information about semi-open game chess openings which start with 1.e4 other than e5. On the next lessons, we will study the Semi-Open Game chess openings one by one: Caro-Kann Defense 1.e4 c6, B10–B19; French Defense 1.e4 e6, C00-C19; Sicilian Defense 1.e4 c5, B20-B99; Alekhine's Defense 1.e4 Nf6, B02-B05; Scandinavian Defense 1. e4 d5, B01; Nimzovich Defense, Pirc Defense, etc..

Ruy Lopez 2 Common Traps

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This chess opening lesson presents a video about Ruy Lopez traps. The title of the video is "Ruy Lopez 2 Common Traps", and it is designed for chess beginners. Find the video at the bottom of this page, and the following is a short description of the video in question (see below how the Ruy Lopez chess opening begins).

Ruy Lopez: Picture

The Ruy Lopez chess opening begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. When you are playing a chess game which started as Ruy Lopez, please be aware about and watch the following 2 common traps in the Ruy Lopez. You can learn these 2 common traps of the Ruy Lopez in the following video.

Ruy Lopez: Video 2 Common Traps

There are a few dozens of the Ruy Lopez traps and many of them are deep in play. The below chess video will show you 2 Ruy Lopez traps which are not deep, common, and must be useful for chess beginners. The first trap may happens at the very beginning of a Ruy Lopez game -- Black will be better.

The second trap is called the Mortimer Trap in which Black intentionally moves back waiting for the mistake -- Black may win the White knight. Both traps may be used for trapping the White opponent and do not lead to the checkmate. The video runs for 2 min 38 sec and consists of 3 parts. To see it, click the Play button below:




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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have seen the video about 2 Ruy Lopez chess opening traps. You saw the traps, and now you know how to avoid them. If you want to return to the Main page of the Ruy Lopez on this website, click the link above... Thank you!

Ruy Lopez Schliemann Defense Variation

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This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Schliemann Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes, also known as Jaenisch Gambit. To learn the Schliemann Defense of the Ruy Lopez (Jaenisch Gambit), you can read its data in Part I, see a Ruy Lopez Video in Part II, and download the Schliemann Defense PGN file in Part III.

I. Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense: Data

Name: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense Variation
Other Name: Jaenisch Gambit
ECO Code: C63
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5



Popularity: 5-7% of the Ruy Lopez games.
Sub-Variation Name: Schliemann Defense, Berger variation
Sub-Variation Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.Nc3

The Schliemann Defense is one of the six most popular Ruy Lopez variations. It was originated by Carl Jaenisch but later on was named after German lawyer Adolf Karl Wilhelm Schliemann. 4.Nc3, then 4.d3, and 4.Bxc6 are considered the best White answers to the Schliemann Defense.

The Schliemann Defense has 3 main lines: [1]4.Nc3 fxe4, [2]4.d3 fxe4, [3]4.Bxc6 dxc6. Also, there is one sharp line [4.Nc3 fe 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5 de 7.Nxc6 Qg5 8.Qe2 Nf6..] which is used rarely by chess masters as surprise. This line may not be recommended for chess beginners.

II. Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense: Video

The video is made up of 3 parts. Part 1 shows the designated moves of the Schliemann Defense. Part 2 shows how to correctly play the 1st proven line [4.Nc3 fxe4]. Part 2 shows how to correctly play the 2nd proven line [4.d3 fxe4]. To see the video, click the Play button below:




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III. Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense: PGN File

The PGN file will show the latest tendencies in playing the Schliemann Defense. The file is 20 games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2400 and above. Game 8 is the famous sharp line performed by a chess player rated 2672 against a top chess player with the rating of 2813.

To download the Schliemann Defense PGN file, click the following link:

Important. Unfortunately, this file on the Schliemann Defense was lost. The new file may be compiled and placed here but later on. We bag your pardon and sorry for that.

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• To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Schliemann Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5; it occupies ECO code C63 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, and also known under another name as Jaenisch Gambit...

Free Chess PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations

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At the bottom of this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you can download free chess PDF ebook on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The title of the above PDF ebook is "Ruy Lopez All Variations." It is designed for chess beginners and not only to learn the Ruy Lopez chess opening. Before downloading, welcome to read more about this PDF ebook below.

I. See a Picture: The Ruy Lopez

The Ruy Lopez chess opening starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 (see figure above). Then a Ruy Lopez game may runs via many variations of this chess opening as shown in the PDF ebook which you can easily download below from Google Drive. Many variations? But many many of them are unknown and many of them are not played at all...

The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" will provide you with a list of all official variations of the Ruy Lopez including their names, ECO codes, and designated moves. There are 182 variations of the Ruy Lopez chess opening: 131 variations starting with the 3rd move of Black 3... a6 and 51 variations without 3... a6 (see above).

The chess PDF ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" will also provide you with the list of 6 most common variations of the Ruy Lopez including their names, ECO codes, designated moves and main short lines. Do you know the list of 6 most common variations of the Ruy Lopez? Do you know their names and how often are they played in real games?

6 most common variations are 94% of all Ruy Lopez games. In calculating these statistics, there was used a 3-million database of chessmaster games. Also, the PDF ebook will give you a short essential description on the Ruy Lopez. There are 20 pages to read, and the ebook is made up of 5 parts. Part 5 is not related to the content of the ebook.

It is a friendly advertisement of 3 chess sites (one of them - chesselo.com - was abandoned in 2018). The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" is free and not copyrighted. It is a PDF ebook (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar program to read it). Now you are ready to directly go to Chapter II and download the requested PDF ebook...

II. Download PDF eBook: Ruy Lopez All Variations

You can download the chess PDF ebook from Google Drive. To download the chess PDF ebook on the Ruy Lopez variations, click the link below:

• Download Chess PDF eBook "Ruy Lopez All Variations", 121 KB

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Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation

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This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes chess opening, and it is designed for beginners. To learn the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, please read its description in Part I (just below) and see video about the Berlin Defense in Part II on this page below.

I. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense: Description

The Berlin Defense variation moves of the Ruy Lopez are the following:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6.



By statistics, the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense variation is 10-15% of all Ruy Lopez games. Under correct play, this variation is considered as solid variation for Black with a big chance to draw a game.

After 3... Nf6, the strongest White answer is 4.0-0. Other White answering moves, not bad but less common, are: 4.d3, 4.Nc3, 4.Qe2, and 4.Bxc6. The main play line is 4.0-0 Nxe4. Less common lines are: 4.d3 d6; 4.Nc3 Bb4; 4.Qe2 Bc5; and 4.Bxc6 dxc6.

This variation of the Ruy Lopez is sometimes called "the Berlin Wall", and it is quite popular at the chess master level and the top level of chess. To get a feel of correctly playing the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, you are advised to see the below video.

II. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense: Video

This video runs for 2 minutes 36 seconds and consists of 3 parts. Part 1 is Introduction to the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, Part 2 will show you how to play its 2 proven lines (best proven moves for White and Black), and Part 3 will show you possibilities at beginning. To see the video, click the Play button below:




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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6, and it covers 10-15% of all Ruy Lopez games...

Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation

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This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, its Morphy Defense variation, and it is designed for chess beginners. To learn the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, please read its description in Part I just below and see video on this variation in Part II at the bottom of this page.

I. Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense: Description

The following is the designated moves of the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening (see below the moves and the picture):
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6



By statistics, 70 % of the Ruy Lopez games start as the Morphy Defense variation. This variation is considered to be one of the best for Black in the Ruy Lopez chess opening. After 4... Nf6, White is to answer by making any of the following 6 moves: • 5.0-0; • 5.d3; • 5.Qe2; • 5.d4; • 5.Nc3; • 5.Bxc6. At a later stage, the typical moves of the Morphy Defense variation for White are: Bb3 (retreating from a4), Nbd2, d3.

For Black, those moves are the following: b5, Be7, Na5, d6. White and Black usually conduct the short castling between the 5th - 11th moves from beginning a Ruy Lopez chess game... It is better for you to understand it in a visible way by seeing the video on the Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation below.

II. Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense: Video

Below is video "Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation" which runs for 3 minutes 36 seconds. The video consists of the following 2 parts. Part 1 is Introduction, and Part 2 will show how to play 6 proven lines of the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez. To see the video, click the Play button below:




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On this page, you have learned the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening ...

Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation

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This is to give you initial but essential knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, on its Exchange Variation, and this information is designed for chess beginners. To learn the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez on this site, read the description in Part I just below and see Video in Part II at the bottom of this page.

I. Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation: Description

The Ruy Lopez, Exchange variation is popular today at all levels of chess.
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6
ECO Codes: C68-C69



After 3... a6, White simply takes the knight on c6... Playing the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez, White and Black use the following tactics. White: To damage the whole pawn structure and get advantage on the King side. In the endgame - to break through, promote his pawn, and win.

Black: To keep and explorer the advantage of 2 bishops vs the bishop and knight. If White has changed the pawn structure, Black should not exchange any of his bishop until proper compensation in the opening phase. The Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopes has 7 subvariations:

• Exchange, Alekhine variation [simple, useful for chess beginners]:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d4 exd4 6.Qxd4 Qxd4 7.Nxd4 Bd7
• Exchange, Keres variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nc3

• Exchange, Romanovsky variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nc3 f6 6.d3
• Exchange, 5.O-O variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O

• Exchange, Alapin Gambit variation [very exciting but sharp and risky]:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Bg4 6.h3 h5

• Exchange, Gligoric variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O f6
• Exchange, Bronstein variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Qd6

To provide King safety, White makes short castling while Black makes short castling or long. Within the Exchange variation, the typical White moves are d4 and then Nxd4 or Qxd4 - to preferably change the pawn structure. The typical Black move is f6 which works good for the Exchange variation.

II. Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation: Video

Video "Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation" (this is video 4 on the Ruy Lopez on this site) is located below. This video will help you learn the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez in a visible way. It runs for 4 minutes 40 seconds. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez Exchange variation, click the Play button below:




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On this page, you have studied the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening which is popular today at all levels of chess... The variation starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6; it occupies ECO codes C68-C69 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings.