Thursday 4 February 2021

Why is the Caro-Kann getting so much love on TV?

 Over the last couple of months I have seen the Caro-Kann become the 'goto' opening in TV shows featuring chess. In "The Queen's Gambit"  it is described by Benny Watts as "All pawns and no hope", and clearly he is not a fan. 

On the flipside it gets a mention in Snowpiercer (TV series) as a metaphor for luring your opponent into a trap. The idea is to give your opponent (White) the big centre and then fight back.

Of course both characterisations are not completely accurate, but the bigger question for me, is why choose the Caro to hang your hat on?

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