The Caro-Kann arises after 1.e4 c6 (ECO B10). As in the French, Black prepares d7-d5, but the modest c6 does not shut in the light-squared bishop - which is the opening's chief virtue.
The Caro-Kann is famous for its solidity: Black has a healthy pawn structure with few weaknesses, and the light-squared bishop usually gets out to an active post (Bf5 or Bg4) in time. In exchange Black often concedes a little space.
This is an opening for those who value reliability and clear plans. Capablanca, Petrosian, Karpov and Anand all used it with success - masters of positional play and firm defence.
Set it up on the board, move the pieces around and copy the FEN - or open the full walkthrough of the opening in a separate article.
Drag a piece onto the board, or click a piece and then click the squares. The cross beside the pieces sweeps every piece of that colour off the board, and a single piece can be dragged off the edge.
The pieces will be arranged into the chosen pattern.
It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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