Advance: 4.h4 is variation 3 of 6 in the Caro-Kann Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B12). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. h4 h6 …. White uses the h- and g-pawns to harass the f5 bishop. Black answers 4...h6 and drops the bishop back to d7, then counter-attacks the centre with ...c5, ...Nc6, ...e6 and ...Qb6. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... c6 – Black prepares ...d5.
2. d4 – White builds the two-pawn centre.
2... d5 – Black challenges e4.
3. e5 – The Advance: White gains space.
3... Bf5 – The bishop comes out before ...e6.
4. h4 – An aggressive try: White threatens g4 and h5 to trap or chase the bishop.
4... h6 – Black prepares a safe retreat on h7 and stops h5-h6 ideas.
5. g4 – White gains space and kicks the bishop.
5... Bd7 – A modern, sensible retreat: on d7 the bishop is safe from pawn attacks and supports ...c5 and ...Nc6.
6. h5 – White grabs more space on the kingside, making ...g6 or ...Nh6 hard to play.
6... c5 – Black hits the centre while White's pawns are far advanced on the kingside.
7. c3 – White supports d4 with a pawn.
7... Nc6 – A second attacker on d4.
8. f4 – White supports e5 solidly, building a big pawn wall.
8... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop's diagonal and prepares ...Qb6 and ...Nge7.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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