Advance: Short System 4.Nf3 is variation 2 of 6 in the Caro-Kann Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B12). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nf3 e6 …. White plays 3.e5 and a quiet setup with Nf3, Be2 and O-O. Black develops the bishop to f5 first, then ...e6 and ...c5, and puts pressure on d4 with ...Nc6, ...Nge7-c8-b6 and the c-file. 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 with pawn support.
2. d4 – White builds the two-pawn centre.
2... d5 – Black challenges e4.
3. e5 – The Advance: White gains space and takes f6 from Black's knight.
3... Bf5 – The key Caro-Kann idea: the bishop comes out BEFORE ...e6 shuts it in.
4. Nf3 – The Short System: quiet development, aiming for Be2, O-O and c3.
4... e6 – Now ...e6 is fine: the bishop is already outside the chain.
5. Be2 – White develops and prepares to castle.
5... c5 – Black attacks the base of the pawn chain, just like in the French.
6. O-O – White castles and keeps d4 defended by the knight and queen.
6... Nc6 – Black develops and adds a second attacker on d4.
7. c3 – White supports d4 with a pawn.
7... cxd4 – Black opens the c-file for the rooks.
8. cxd4 – White recaptures, keeping a pawn on d4.
8... Nge7 – The knight starts its trip to c8 and b6, where it eyes c4 and supports the queenside play.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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