Karpov and the Caro Kann

The Caro Kann is and enigma. This modest looking, slow developing defense is normally ignored by club players, in favor of the more flashy Sicilian, or Indian defenses, but Grandmasters use the Caro Kann more often, knowing it's counter-punching effects can render white's position helpless. Few players demonstrated this better than Anatoly Karpov. Below are a few gems from Karpov's peak years. The former world champion seems to find almost limitless resources from this under appreciated defense..


https://www.chess.com/article/view/anatoly-karpov-and-the-caro-kann

https://www.chess.com/article/view/karpovs-strange-king-move-in-caro-kann-by-gm-magesh-and-gm-arun

Originally posted by @mchill
The Caro Kann is and enigma. This modest looking, slow developing defense is normally ignored by club players, in favor of the more flashy Sicilian, or Indian defenses, but Grandmasters use the Caro Kann more often, knowing it's counter-punching effects can render white's position helpless. Few players demonstrated this better than Anatoly Karpov. Below are ...[text shortened]... tps://www.chess.com/article/view/karpovs-strange-king-move-in-caro-kann-by-gm-magesh-and-gm-arun

Sicilian, Caro Kann and French defense all seem to have about the same results for RHP players.

Masters looks like e5, Sicilian, Karo Cann and g6 seem to do about the same.

e4 is met with e5 here at RHP 62 percent of the time.

Ruy Lopez has been played nearly three times as many times a Caro Kann.

The Caro-Kann, like many openings, goes in and out of favour. It is rich in possibilities and is theoretically sound. You will run into it as White sooner or later, if you play e4, so be prepared. I play it myself and would be glad to play the Black side of it against you; challenge me if you wish. Good practice.