Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c6/2. d4/2...d5/3. e5/3...c5/4. c3/4...Nc6

Caro-Kann - Advance Variation, Botvinnik-Carls Defense 4... Nc6 · Caro-Kann - Botvinnik-Carls Defence This is the best continuation for black after the move 4. c3 in response to the Botvinnik-Carls Defence. It adds pressure on the d4 pawn. The move 5. Nf3, defending the pawn, should be met with 5... cxd4 6. cxd4 Bg4. This sequence allows for sustained pressure on the d4 pawn, which can be increased via the g8-e7-f5 manoeuvre of the black knight. White's best attempt is perhaps 5. Be2, waiting for Black's light-squared bishop to commit before playing Nf3. Other main responses are solid, but relatively unthreatening. For example, 5. Be3 can be met by 5...Nh6, and 5. Bb5 by 5...Qa6. Theory table 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. cxd4 Bg4 5. Be2 5. Be3 Nh6 5. Bb5 Qa6 5. Ne2 References Caro-Kann