Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nd2

Modern variation B12 Caro-Kann → 2...d5 3. Nd2 · Modern variation White prepares to recapture on e4 with their knight while keeping the option of c3. This move is intended to avoid the Gurgenidze system, 3. Nc3 g6, where Black will fianchetto their king's side bishop. Here, 3...g6 may be answered 4. c3, mitigating the pressure Black's bishop will be able to impose on the long diagonal. This encourages the main move, 3...dxe4, and after 4. Nxe4 this transposes into the same line as if 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 had been played. A minor sideline is /3...Qb6/, the Edinburgh Variation. Black develops their queen and attacks the undefended d4 pawn, though this can be answered with 4. c3. Theory table 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 3 4 5 6 Main Line ...dxe4 Nxe4Bf5 Ng3Bg6 h4h6 = References See also Caro-Kann