Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c6/2. d4/2...d5/3. exd5/3...cxd5/4. Bd3/4...Nc6

Exchange variation Caro-Kann → Exchange variation → 4. Bd3 4. Nc6 Black attacks the d-pawn. 5. c3 is probably the most sound response, and the most-commonly played. Black is fine after 5. Nf3 or 5. Be3, although 5. Nf3 has a poor record and allows Black to play 5...Bg4, freeing the weak light-squared bishop, and White has to play 6. c3 anyway. 5. Ne2 at least prevents it. Theory table 5. c3 5. Nf3 5. Ne2 5. Be3 References Opening Repertiore: The Caro-Kann. 2015. Jovanka Houska 9781781942109 Caro-Kann