Caro-Kann: Bronstein-Larsen Variation
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 · B16
Part of Caro-Kann Defense
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 10
A broken kingside is not the same as a lost king
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The idea
Black recaptures toward the centre with the g-pawn, accepting doubled f-pawns in exchange for the half-open g-file and potential central play.
Main line: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ gxf6
What White wants
- Play against the weakened kingside before Black consolidates
- Develop with Nf3, Bd3 and O-O and keep the king safe
- Challenge the centre when Black prepares ...e5 rather than attacking by habit
What Black wants
- Build the centre with ...e5 and ...f5 and use the g-file
- Develop the f8 bishop to g7 or e7 and the c8 bishop outside the chain when possible
- Choose a safe king arrangement before opening the centre or g-file
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
A broken kingside is not the same as a lost king
The g-pawn recapture leaves pawns on f6 and f7 and clears the g-file. Black can seek ...e5 and active pieces, but the king still needs care. White should weigh the structural targets against Black's central space, not assume either side is winning.
Common mistake
Launching h4–h5 without developing enough pieces to support it. Pawn advances alone do not exploit doubled f-pawns; Black may counter in the centre with ...e5. Complete development and assess the king positions before opening more lines.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
rnbqkb1r/pp2pp1p/2p2p2/8/3P4/8/PPP2PPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 6
Analyze this position