Carlsbad Structure – Complete Repertoire for Black PGN Only February 2, 2026

What Makes This Course Unique

Rather than treating the Carlsbad as a “safe but uninspiring” choice, Krishnater presents it as a practical weapon. The course introduces several fresh directions:

Against 9.Nf3, the classical 10…Re8 11.0-0 Ne4 is rehabilitated with concrete analysis.

Against 9.Nge2, Black employs the interesting move-order 10…Nf8 11.f3 Ng6!?, allowing 12.e4 directly and meeting it with 12…dxe4 13.fxe4 Be6, reaching sharp positions where preparation matters.

Against quieter systems, Black uses flexible setups with …g6, keeping options between the classical …Nh5 with the bishop exchange or the modern …Nf8-e6 maneuver.

The course doesn’t shy away from complications. In Chapter 15, after 14.h3 c5!, the position explodes into concrete calculation—exactly where thorough preparation gives Black a practical edge.

Variation Map

The course covers all significant responses after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 (or 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6):

Early Deviations:

• Chapter 1: 4.Bg5 (the forgotten fourth move)
• Chapter 2: 5.Bf4 (Sarana and Carlsen’s choice)
• Chapter 3: 5.Nf3 (Erigaisi’s setup, featured in Gukesh-Ding)

Main Line After 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7:

• Chapter 4: 6.Qc2 (Grischuk’s …h6, …g6 setup)
• Chapter 5: 8.f3 and rare eighth-move alternatives
• Chapter 6: 8.h3 (long castling ideas met by …g6)
• Chapter 7: 8.Nf3 (met by the fresh 9…Ne8!)

After 8.Qc2 0-0:

• Chapter 8: 9.Nf3 h6 10.Bf4 and the dynamic 10.h4
• Chapter 9: 9.Nf3 h6 10.Bh4 Re8 11.0-0 Ne4 (classical setup)
• Chapter 10: Tenth-move sidelines after 9.Nge2 Re8
• Chapter 11: 9.Nge2 Re8 10.0-0 Nf8 11.Rae1 (Giri’s try)

Critical Main Lines (9.Nge2 Re8 10.0-0 Nf8 11.f3 Ng6):

• Chapter 12: Rare twelfth-move options after 11…Ng6
• Chapter 13: 12.Rad1 (most popular)
• Chapter 14: 12.e4 dxe4 13.fxe4 Be6 14.Rad1 and alternatives
• Chapter 15: 12.e4 dxe4 13.fxe4 Be6 14.h3 c5! (sharp main line)