Caro-Kann Defense for Black – 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 + PGN December 28, 2025

Caro-Kann Defense for Black: The Karpov Variation’s Practical Renaissance

When Understanding Trumps Memorization

The Caro-Kann Defense has long been known as a reliable weapon for Black, but it faces a persistent challenge: how do you maintain flexibility without drowning in theory? The 4…Bf5 line demands encyclopedic preparation, while 4…Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6 commits Black to an unusual pawn structure that doesn’t suit everyone’s taste. For decades, top players including Smyslov and Karpov understood that 4…Nd7 offered something different—a practical, flexible approach where strategic understanding matters more than memorizing many variations.

In their new course Caro-Kann Defense for Black – 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7, GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso present this variation as a complete repertoire system. Dreev, who has played the Caro-Kann for over 30 years at the highest level, shares a revelation that emerged from his deep work with modern engines: the classical 4…Nd7 isn’t just a solid alternative—it has become a superior practical choice. The position after 4…Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 gives Black the typical Caro-Kann structure with greater flexibility and significantly less forcing theory than the main lines.

Complete Coverage of White’s Arsenal

The course provides systematic coverage of every meaningful White setup, organized around a clear strategic framework:

Main Position Paths (After 4…Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6):

• Chapter 1: 7.Bc4 – The statistical main line
• Chapter 2: 7.Bd3 – Preventing …Bf5
• Chapter 3: 7.Be2 – The modest approach
• Chapter 4: 7.h3 – Preventing …Bg4
• Chapter 5: 7.Ne5 – Modern critical try with 7…Nd7!
• Chapter 6: 7.c3 Bg4 – The Karpov/Smyslov setup (main theoretical battleground)

Fifth Move Alternatives:

• Chapters 7: 5.Ng3 and other knight retreats
• Chapters 8-9: 5.Bc4 – The once-popular bishop sortie
• Chapter 10: 5.Ng5 h6!? – Carlsen’s practical choice
• Chapters 11-12: 5.Ng5 Ngf6 – The sharp Kasparov-Fritz line
• Chapter 13: 5.Qe2 – The blitz trap