My Caro-Kann – Part 1 by GM Pavel Eljanov (Modern Chess)

We are excited to introduce the new huge opening project of GM Pavel Eljanov – My Caro-Kann. Having played this opening for more than 10 years on the highest level, Eljanov is one of the leading Caro-Kann experts in the world.

We are more than happy that he agreed to disclose his entire repertoire in four-part series!

The first two databases will be dedicated to the most dangerous line against the Caro-Kann – the Advance Variation arising after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5

The Advance Variation is White’s critical response to the Caro-Kann Defence. If Black solves his problems here, the Caro-Kann will be way more popular at the top level. This database deals with the most dangerous of the most dangerous – the so-called Short System arising after 3…Bf5 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2. This extremely important system is covered in the first 5 chapters.

The following 3 chapters feature the highly topical 3…Bf5 4.Nd2 variation.

The database includes 8 theoretical chapters, 10 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (1h and 45 min Running Time)

As a bonus, you get access to the lecture of GM Swapnil Dhopade Typical Structures in the Advance Variation which was part of the Modern Chess Caro-Kann Camp.

What makes this product so special is Eljanov’s revolutionary concept against the main line. After 3…Bf5 4.Nf3 e6 5.Be2 6.0-0, he suggests 6…a5!?

Can you imagine that the move 6…a5 has been played only 20 times so far? Furthermore, 3 of the games are played by Eljanov himself!

The idea is very simple. Since Black is rather cramped on the kingside, he takes this early opportunity to grab space on the queenside. At the same time, it is not so easy for White to make use of his better development.

There is almost no theory in this position. Therefore, Eljanov examines the lines mainly from a conceptual point of view. For example, the character of the game is completely different depending on whether White plays a2-a4 or not. The advance c2-c4 leads to completely different structures. Also, sometimes, White may choose to delay both advances and mobilise his pieces. All these scenarios are very well covered in the database.

By studying the lines, you will get deeper understanding of the arising structures. Also, you will get a better feeling of the positions with a space advantage.

The last three chapters are dedicated to the position arising after 4.Nd2 e6 5.Nb3

The main idea of this system is to make it difficult for Black to deliever the advance …c6-c5. Only later, White can start developing kingside activity. Eljanov’s recommendation is based on 5…Nd7 6.Nf3 Qc7!?

According to Eljanov, this is the most flexible way to prepare …c6-c5. Usually, the game continues 7.Be2 c5 when White should decide whether to take on c5 or support the centre by means of c2-c3. These two approaches are dealt with in the last two chapters of the databases. All the deviations from the move 7.Be2 are covered in Chapter 6.

The arising positions are extremely complicated from strategical point of view. Besides providing extensively analysed concrete lines, Eljanov also provides some very interesting strategic concepts. The following position is a good example:

It turns out that Black’s best move in this position is the counter-intuitive 14…a4!

Eljanov writes, “It was a huge discovery for me that Black’s play should be not only be based on the b5-b4 advance but also on a5-a4, potentially securing the queenside for his king. In this case, White’s play on the kingside can suddenly become very double-edged, as it exposes his own king.”

All in all, the suggested variations provide you with a very practical fighting repertoire against the most dangerous systems that White might try against the Caro-Kann!