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Originally posted by VartiovuoriFor me, there is nothing stronger than 1 . . . e5 in reply to 1.e4.
I tend to play Caro Kann as a black simply because I don't like 1.e4 e5
The only other option I might consider is 1 . . . c5, which I know has good performance. Forty years ago my uncle for my 10th bday gave me the book How To Think Ahead In Chess (I.A. Horowitz and Fred Reinfeld) and thus as a kid I played the dragon variation of the Sicilian. But now a 1 . . e5 guy.
One thing I have noticed is how dynamic 1 . . e6 (the French) can be but I would never do it.
I've been playing the Caro for about a year now. I'm still undecided about whether to keep with it or switch back to the French. Some Caro lines, e.g. the Advanced, I'm very happy about facing, but some others, in particular the Panov Botvinnik, are far easier for White to play than Black.
Ironically, given it's reputation, one big plus point for the Caro over the French is that fact that there isn't an obvious way for White to play for a draw against a stronger player. I got fed up with the French because of the number of scared rabbits who would play (as White) 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. h3.
Here is a game I played last night in a league match.
Originally posted by Fat Ladyinteresting game, I think the mentality against the French is, ok, if you are going to
I've been playing the Caro for about a year now. I'm still undecided about whether to keep with it or switch back to the French. Some Caro lines, e.g. the Advanced, I'm very happy about facing, but some others, in particular the Panov Botvinnik, are far easier for White to play than Black.
Ironically, given it's reputation, one big plus point for the Car ...[text shortened]... 18. hxg4 h5 19. Nh4 Bc2 20. Rd2 hxg4
21. Rxc2 Rxh4 22. c5 Rh1+ 0-1
[/pgn]
bore me i will bore you and play the exchange variation.