♜
8
♞
♝
♛
♚
♝
♞
♜
♟
7
♟
♟
♟
♟
♟
♟
6
♟
5
4
♙
3
♙
2
♙
♙
♙
♙
♙
♙
♖
1
a
♘
b
♗
c
♕
d
♔
e
♗
f
♘
g
♖
h
Tap a piece, then tap a highlighted square to move it.
Reset position
Caro-Kann Defense
Black prepares d5 like the French Defense, but keeps the light-squared bishop free by not blocking it with an early e6.
Key ideas
• c6 supports d5 next move while leaving e6/c8-h3 diagonal open for the bishop.
• Considered one of the most solid replies to 1.e4 — few weaknesses, if a bit passive.
• Endgames arising from this opening are frequently favorable for Black due to better structure.
What to play next
d4
Takes the center; the main line continues with d5 and a direct pawn confrontation.
Nc3
Flexible development, preparing to meet d5 with several different pawn structures.

Pattern