Panov-Botvinnik Attack is variation 5 of 6 in the Caro-Kann Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B14). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 …. White plays c4 to get active pieces in return for an isolated d-pawn. Black develops with ...Nf6, ...e6, ...Be7, takes on d5 with the knight and blockades the isolated pawn, trading pieces where possible. 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. exd5 – White exchanges in the centre.
3... cxd5 – Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
4. c4 – The Panov: White attacks d5 and aims for active piece play.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and defends d5.
5. Nc3 – White adds a second attacker on d5.
5... e6 – Black supports d5 and frees the f8 bishop. After cxd5 Black can recapture with the knight.
6. Nf3 – White develops and controls e5.
6... Be7 – Black develops and prepares to castle.
7. cxd5 – White releases the tension, creating the isolated d-pawn structure.
7... Nxd5 – Black recaptures with the knight, which blockades d5 and keeps the e6 pawn solid.
8. Bd3 – White develops the bishop toward the kingside.
8... Nc6 – Black develops and pressures d4.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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