Pawn Structure 101: The Caro Formation

Welcome to another moment of learning in your journey through all the 17 chess pawn structures: this time we will be dealing with the Caro Formation.

If this name rings a bell it might be because it refers to the Caro-Kann Opening, a very common defence for Black against the move 1.e4. In fact, this structure is very often originated from games played with this opening. However, as we will see later, a lot of other openings can lead to this pawn formation.

If you have already studied the Slav formation, then this structure will be very easy for you to understand, as they share a lot of characteristics. In fact, some experts even consider it to be the same structure with simply a small alteration. However, there are some things about these structures that also tell them apart, and so it is important to understand the differences between them. Not every plan that applies to the Slav Formation can be used in the Caro Formation, and vice-versa.

Just like in the Slav formation, the games in this structure do not often result in quick wins or matting attacks for either of the sides: this will be a rather slow, strategic type of play.

This structure is pretty solid for both sides, though White benefits from a typical small edge at the beginning of the game. Because of that, Black must try to equalize the game before he fights for an advantage.

What does the Caro formation pawn structure look like?

Diagram 1a: The Caro formation

Take a good look at the above structure and the imbalances that it brings to a game. It is very important to notice the asymmetries of a position when you begin to analyze it, as they will tell you a lot about the character of the game.

The main characteristic of this position is the fact that White has exchanged his central e-pawn for Black’s d-pawn. This is an asymmetry that must be taken into account, as it leaves both sides with a different semi-open file for them to play in.

Diagram 1b: semi-open files

As noticeable in the diagram above, White has none of his own pawns on the e-file to block his pieces there. The same happens with Black on the d-file.

It is also important to differentiate this position from the Slav Formation Structure.

Diagram 1c: the slav formation

As you can tell, the only difference is the fact that in the Caro Formation, there is a White Pawn on c3, whereas in diagram 1b there is a pawn on e3. This might seem like a small alteration, but it is significant.

An example of a difference is the fact that, in the Caro formation, White has a pawn on c3, and because of this he has a majority on the Queenside and not a minority, as happens in the Slav Formation.

Because of this, it is easy to understand that if White does no longer have a minority, a minority attack on this side of the board is obviously out of question.

In the Caro Formation, the d4 advanced pawn guarantees White a spatial advantage, as well as a better control of the centre.

Diagram 1d: the d4-pawn

As you can see on the above diagram, this central pawn gives White a steady control of the c5-square and the e5-square.

On the other hand, Black has two pawns on his third file (the c6-pawn and the e6-pawn) ready to undermine White’s centre when possible.

Diagram 1e: the e6 and c6-pawns

Both these pawns give Black a very good control of the d5-square, as the diagram above shows.

Outposts are very important in these positions. White benefits from the strong e5-square to place a knight on, and this square can be very useful in order to launch a kingside attack. Black, of course, could try to control e5 by playing …f7-f6, but this is usually not good for his position, as it would weaken his king and his b6-pawn.

Diagram 1f: the e5 square

White is not the only one who has the possibility to explore advanced central squares to place pieces on: Black can try to place a knight of the d5-square.

Diagram 1g: the d5-square

This is a very central square, and because of that it would be great to have a knight there, since it would control many other squares. However, White can easily push c3-c4 in order to get rid of the d5-piece, even though this would weaken his d4-pawn.

It should be noted that the e5-outpost is more important for White than the d5-square is for Black. In most cases, the move …f7-f6 would weaken Black’s position a lot more than the move c3-c4 weakens White’s. However, both of these squares could play a very important role in the game.

Now that you know the main features of this pawn formation, let’s sum up its most important aspects, so that you will be able to then understand the plans that apply for both sides.

What are the characteristics of this pawn structure?

Before we get to the part of the article when you will learn how to play in this pawn structure, it’s time to analyse the most important characteristics of both White’s and Black’s positions.

As you know, this position has some noticeable imbalances, as the exchange of White’s e-pawn for Black’s d-pawn, and the fact that White has a more advanced pawn on d4.

It is important to note that White has a small advantage in this structure,due to having more space and control of the centre.  Because of this, it is easy to understand that most of White’s plans will aim to secure that edge, whereas Black will try to fight for equality.

One possible way for Black to do so is a central break. As in the Slav formation, central breaks will be very typical for Black in these positions. The logical explanation for that is the fact that Black doesn’t have enough space, and because of that he needs to advance a central pawn and disrupt White’s control of the centre.

Diagram 1h: Black’s possible central breaks

Black has two possibilities of central breaks: he could play either …c6-c5 or …e6-e5.

Note that the …c6-c5 break would lead to a position with more imbalances in comparison with the …e6-e5 break. If Black manages to exchange his c-pawn for White’s d-pawn, the resulting structure would leave White with two pawn islands, each one of them with three pawns. Black would have the same number of islands, but with four pawns on the kingside and two on the Queenside.

Diagram 1i: pawn structure after the exchange of Black’s c-pawn for White’s d-pawn

This would give Black the opportunity to launch a pawnstorm on the Queenside, creating a minority attack. However, White’s majority on the Queenside could become an advantage on the endgame, as White could easily try to create a passed pawn on this side of the board.

The …e6-e5 break is very likely to end up in a position with a symmetrical structure, since both bands are left with three pawns in each side of the board after Black’s e-pawn and White’s d-pawn disappear.

Diagram 1j: pawn structure after the exchange of Black’s e-pawn for White’s d-pawn

As you can see in the diagram above, this break results in a structure with no imbalances. Because of this, the evaluation of the position would fully depend on the other factors of the game (such as piece placement and king’s security).

It is important to understand that breaking the centre is a big step for Black towards reaching equality. Usually, if he manages to do it without losing control of the game, he will end up being in a position with level chances.

It might seem that breaking the centre later in the game when White is already more advanced into a wing attack would be better for Black. However, delaying these breaks usually gives White the opportunity to control them and even stop them. Because of this, if you are playing this position with Black, make sure you don’t wait too long before you carry out this plan.

Diagram 1k: White being able to stop Black’s breaks in the centre when Black takes too long to make them

Before we get to White’s position characteristics, there is a last important thing to note when talking about Black’s central breaks in this structure: the break …c6-c5 is much more likely to be successful than the …e6-e5 break.

This will be easy to understand if you remember that this pawn formation leaves White with the semi-open e-file to explore. Because of this, it is a lot easier for White to control the advance of the e-pawn than the advance of the c-pawn.

Diagram 1l: the control of the semi-open e-file and the e5-square

While Black is planning the right moment to break in the centre, White has some options to develop his game. The first one is very straight to the point: launching a kingside attack and trying to checkmate his opponent.

Usually combined with the Kingside attack, there is the e5-outpost. A very typical plan for White is to place a knight on this square, controlling a lot of crucial squares on that side of the board. Besides that, the b1-h7 diagonal commonly plays an important role, since White usually places a Bishop and his Queen there, pointing at the weak h7-pawn.

Diagram 1m: White’s usual ways of attacking the Kingside

Besides this direct attack, White can also play in a more strategic, slow-paced way.

A possible plan is the move c3-c4.

Diagram 1n: the c3-c4 advance

This is usually accompanied with placing the pieces in squares where they can control the centre, in order to make Black’s central breaks a lot more difficult and to secure an advantage.

Diagram 1o: White’s pieces controlling the centre after c2-c4 has been played

After having played c3-c4, if Black has not played …c6-c5 yet, White has an extra possibility: to play c4-c5, occupying this square himself and permanently preventing this Black’s central break. But the purpose of this move is not to simply restrain Black’s game: the advanced c5-pawn gives White the control of the weak d6-square, which can be a determinant factor of the game.

Diagram 1p: the weak d6-square

This square is very vulnerable, and because of that it could become a very important outpost for White to place pieces in and very helpful in the control of the centre.

Although it might seem very tempting for White to gain space in the centre like this, it is important to keep in mind that the advance of the c-pawn has a drawback: the d4-pawn is left more vulnerable, now that the c-pawn does no longer protect it.

Since this pawn is in a semi-open file for Black (the d-file) it could become an easy target. Because of this, it is important for White to make sure he can defend his d-pawn with pieces before he starts expanding on the c-file.

Diagram 1q: the d4 unprotected pawn

Note that, if White’s c-pawn advances all the way up to c5, the d4-pawn would be left backwards. This could become a serious issue in an endgame, as White would have fewer pieces to defend it.

Diagram 1r: the d4 backward pawn

Besides attacking the d-pawn, Black can also try to undermine White’s centre by advancing his b-pawn.

If White’s c-pawn is on c4, Black could try to play …b7-b5 directly.

Diagram 1s: Black’s plan of undermining White’s centre with …b7-b5

If White’s c-pawn is already on c5, then the move …b7-b6 could be a good option.

Diagram 1t: Black’s plan of undermining White’s centre by playing …b7-b6

These are the main ideas and aspects of this structure. It is now time to see how they work in practice, and how top-players manage to take advantage of the drawbacks and imbalances of these positions.

 

How do you play in this pawn structure?

We have reached the most important part of this article: we will now discuss the typical plans that take place in the most interesting games that arise from this pawn formation.

First, let’s start by stating the most common plans for both White and Black, so that they will be easier for you to recognize in the games. After the previous sections, it should be easy to understand them.

White’s plans:

  • Launching a Kingside attack, making good use of the b1-h7 diagonal and putting pressure on the vulnerable h7-pawn
  • Placing a knight on the e5-square
  • Playing c3-c4 and harmoniously placing pieces in order to control the centre
  • Playing c3-c4-c5 in order to control the weak d6-square
Diagram 1u: White’s plans

Black’s Plans:

  • Playing …e6-e5 in order to break the centre
  • Playing …c6-c5 in order to break the centre
  • Attacking the d4-pawn after White has advanced his c-pawn
  • Attacking white’s c-pawn and putting pressure in the centre by advancing the b-pawn (to b6 if White’s c-pawn is on c5 or to b5 if White’s c-pawn in on c4)
Diagram 1v: Black’s plans

The first game, played between Vladimir Akopian and Alexandr Shimanov, is an example of White’s ability of developing a Kingside attack. The game took place in the year of 2012.

  1. e4 c6
  2. d4 d5
  3. Nc3 dxe4
  4. Nxe4 Nd7
  5. Ng5 Ngf6
  6. Bd3 e6
Diagram 1w: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 6…e6

A common line of the Caro-Kann opening. Note that, from this early stage of the game, White has a lot more space than Black.

  1. N1f3 Bd6
  2. Qe2 h6
  3. Ne4 Nxe4
  4. Qxe4 Qc7
  5. 0-0 Nf6
Diagram 1x: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 11… Nf6

An imprecision: most common in this position is 11…b6 or 11…c5.

  1. Qh4 b6
  2. Bg5 Be7
Diagram 1y: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 13… Be7

White is already in a better position, as he is putting a lot of pressure in Black’s position, especially on the Kingside.

  1. Bf4 Qd8
  2. Ne5 Bb7
Diagram 1z: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 15… Bb7

White is so ahead in development right now that it is really hard for Black to find counterplay.

  1. Rad1 Bd6
  2. Rfe1
Diagram 2a: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 17. Rfe1

Due to White’s multiple threats, Black doesn’t seem to find a safe way to castle in this position.

  1. … Qe7
  2. Qh3
Diagram 2b: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 18. Qh3

White is now threatening to play Ng6, since …fxg6 would lose to Rxe6, winning the Queen.

  1. … Nd5
  2. Bg3 0-0
  3. c4 Nf6
  4. Bh4 g5
Diagram 2c: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 21…g5

The final decisive mistake: the move 21… g5 allows White a deadly combination, as happened in the game:

  1. Bxg5 nxg5
  2. Qh6

1-0

Diagram 2d: Akopian – Shimanov, position after 23. Qh6

Black resigned since he would have to give up material in order to defend the mating threats.

This is a short game, but it carries a valuable lesson: Black must not remain passive in this structure.

White already benefits from a slight advantage at the beginning of the game. In this structure, it is clear that Black has to fight for equality before aiming to go further than that. Because of this, Black must react and find counterplay in order to equalize against White’s threats. If he doesn’t, it will be easy for White to make good use of his space advantage and attack on the kingside.

As you already know, wing attacks should be met with central breaks, which, in this structure, are the main plans for Black. Because of that, it is very important for you to keep in mind the key moves …c6-c5 and …e6-e5.

We will now see a game in which Black successfully carries one of these breaks and manages to equalize the game in this way.

This was played between Yangyi Yu and Hiraku Nakamura:

  1. e4 c6
  2. d4 d5
  3. Nc3 dxe4
  4. Nxe4 Nd7
  5. Nf3 Ngf6
  6. Nxf6+ Nxf6
  7. c3 Bf5
  8. Bc4 e6
  9. 0-0 h6
  10. Ne5
Diagram 2e: Yu – Nakamura, position after 10. Ne5

Both White and Black develop their pieces in the natural way. White already managed to place a knight on the strong e5-square.

  1. … Bd6
  2. Bf4 0-0
  3. Qe2 Qc7
  4. Rad1 Rad8
Diagram 2f: Yu – Nakamura, position after 13… Rad8

The initial development is now pretty much concluded and it’s time for both bands to choose and follow some of the typical plans of this structure.

  1. h3 Rfe8
  2. Bb3 c5
Diagram 2g: Yu – Nakamura, position after 15… c5

Black reaches this central break under great conditions, since all his pieces are well-placed.

  1. Rfe1 cxd4
  2. Rxd4 Qe7
  3. Red1 Bc5
  4. Rxd8 Rxd8
Diagram 2h: Yu – Nakamura, position after 19… Rxd8

Pieces are exchanged and Black manages to free himself from the previous lack of space. At this moment, the position is already fully equalized.

  1. Be3 Rxd1+
  2. Bxd1 Qd6
  3. Nc4 Qc7
  4. Bxc5 Qxc5
Diagram 2i: Yu – Nakamura, position after 23… Qxc5

An endgame with level chances is closer since more pieces are being exchanged.

  1. Ne3 Be4
  2. Bb3 Bc6
  3. Qd3 Nd7
  4. Qd4 Qxd4
  5. cxd4
Diagram 2j: Yu – Nakamura, position after 28. cxd4

An endgame is finally reached. Although the material is the same for both sides, the Queen’s exchange left White with an isolated pawn on d4. This, as you know, tends to be a weakness in endgames, and this one is not an exception. However, this fact alone shouldn’t be enough to win the endgame.

We won’t analyze the rest of the game as it does not serve the purposes of this article. However, with lots of patience and precision, Black managed to enter a winning position and win this endgame at the move number 80.

The main lesson of this game is the fact that Black’s breakthrough in the centre released his game and allowed him to acquire a completely equal position. This happened because he was lacking space before and had no control of the centre. After the move 15… c5, he opened up the centre and gained a lot more space to place his pieces.

Other thematic ideas present in this game, such as the e5-outpost for White, should also be remembered.

Moving on, let’s now see a more strategic and slow-paced game, where White tries to secure his edge and maintain a great control of the centre.

This game was played in 2013 between Bartlomiej Macieja and Jesus Nogueiras Santiago:

  1. e4 Nf6
  2. e5 Nd5
  3. d4 d6
  4. Nf3 dxe5
  5. Nxe5 c6
Diagram 2k: Macieja – Santiago , position after 5… c6

A very different move order that the one in the previous games: this time we are facing a very common line of the Alekhine Opening.

  1. h3 g6
  2. Bc4 Bg7
  3. 0-0 0-0
  4. Re1 Be6
Diagram 2l: Macieja – Santiago , position after 9… Be6

Black is clearly lacking space in this position, therefore he must find a way to react and create counterplay.

  1. Bf1 Nd7
  2. Nf3 Nc7
  3. Bg5 e8
  4. Nbd2 Bd5
  5. c4
Diagram 2m: Macieja – Santiago , position after 14. c4

White chooses the plan of going c2-c4 directly, controlling the centre. This works in this position due to the fact that Black’s breaks in the centre are still far from turning into reality, and White’s d4-pawn cannot be easily attacked.

White’s space provides him with an incredible advantage, since Black’s pieces do not have good squares to be placed in.

  1. … Bxf3
Diagram 2n: Macieja – Santiago , position after 14… Bxf3

Black decided to exchange his bishop, which was a good idea. As you know, exchanging pieces usually benefits the side who has less space, helping to release the pressure.

  1. Nxf3 Ne6
  2. Be3 Nc7
  3. Qb3 Qc8
  4. Rad1 a5
Diagram 2o: Macieja – Santiago , position after 18… a5

Black tries to expand on the Queenside, since breaking the centre with …c6-c5 or …e6-e5 doesn’t work in this position as it would give White an even better position.

  1. g3 e6
  2. h4 a4
  3. Qc2 h5
Diagram 2p: Macieja – Santiago , position after 21… h5

White starts his expansion on the Kingside , and Black tries to stop it by blocking the h-pawn. However, breaking the centre with …e6-e5 would probably be a better option here, since Black should try to find some sort of counterplay. Otherwise, White will just continue to improve his position until there is nothing left for Black to do.

  1. Bf4 Rd8
  2. Bd3 Nf8
  3. Bg5 Re8
  4. a3 b5
Diagram 2q: Macieja – Santiago , position after 25… b5

As mentioned before, Black can try to advance his b-pawn in order to disrupt White’s  control of the centre and create some counterplay. However, this does not work in this position, since the c6-pawn, left backwards, is a very serious drawback.

26. Rc1

Diagram 2r: Macieja – Santiago , position after 26. Rc1

Putting even more pressure on the weak c6 pawn. It is very likely that the c-file will be open in the future, since white’s c-pawn and black’s b-pawn are very likely to be exchanged. Because of this, it is a very good idea for White to place a rook on this file.

  1. … bxc4
  2. Qxc4 Nb5
  3. Ne5
Diagram 2s: Macieja – Santiago , position after 28. Ne5

White’s Knight finally gets to his key square: the e5-outpost. Black faces a huge amount of pressure on his c-pawn.

  1. … Na7
  2. Be3 Rd8
  3. Be4

1-0

Black resigned in this position, since his c-pawn and his a-pawn are extremely weak and he can’t manage to protect them.

Once again, this game shows how bad things can get for Black if he doesn’t actively fight for counterplay. Even though it was the move 25… b5 that weakened his pawn structure, he was already worst due to the lack of space. White managed to control the centre and maintain a slight advantage by not exchanging pieces. Because of this, Black should have put more effort into breaking the centre before it was too late.

Finally, let’s see a model-game that shows how exchanging pieces and breaking the centre can completely release Black’s position.

This was played between Jacques Mieses and Oldrich Duras

  1. e4 c6
  2. d4 d5
  3. Bd3 dxe4
  4. Bxe4 Nf6
  5. Nc3 Nxe4
  6. Nxe4 Bf5
  7. Ng3 Bg6
  8. Nf3 Nd7
Diagram 2t: Mieses – Duras , position after 8… Nd7

Our structure is reached with a fairly equal position, although White, as usual, benefits from a spatial advantage.

  1. Nh4 e6
  2. Nxg6 hxg6
Diagram 2u: Mieses – Duras, position after 10…hxg6

Two minor pieces were already exchanged, and this changes a lot: Black’s space issue is a lot less worrying with fewer pieces on the board.

  1. Bf4 Nf6
  2. Qd2 Nd5
  3. Ne4 Qh4
  4. Nd6+ Bxd6
Diagram 2v: Mieses – Duras , position after 14… Bxd6

More pieces are exchanged and, at this point, White’s more advanced pawn cannot really be seen as an advantage, since Black doesn’t have enough pieces to feel restrained due to the fact that he has less space.

  1. Bxd6 Rd8
  2. Bg3 Qe4+
  3. Kf1 Nb6
  4. c3 c5
Diagram 2w: Mieses – Duras , position after 18… c5

Black’s position seems better now: there is a lot of pressure on the d-file and the d4-pawn.

  1. Rd1 cxd4
  2. cxd4 Rc8
  3. Qe2 Qf5
Diagram 2x: Mieses – Duras, position after 21… Qf5

Preparing to enter in White’s second rank. The d4-pawn is isolated and vulnerable, and it can only get weaker as the endgame gets closer.

  1. Be5 0-0
  2. g4 Qc2
  3. Rd2 Qb1+
  4. Kg2 Qxa2
Diagram 2y: Mieses – Duras, position after 25… Qxa2

Finally winning material and securing the advantage. Black’s position keeps improving.

  1. h4 Qd5+
  2. f3 Nc4
  3. Rd3 Qb5
  4. Rd2 Qa4
Diagram 2z: Mieses – Duras, position after 29… Qa4

White’s d2-rook has no safe squares to go to, and because of this White has no possibility of challenging Black’s superiority in this position.

  1. b3 Qxb3
  2. Rd3 Qb5
  3. h5 Nxe5
  4. dxe5 gxh5
  5. Qe3 Rc2+
  6. Kg3 Qb2
Diagram 3a: Mieses – Duras, position after 35… Qb2

Black’s threats on White’s second rank are now impossible to defend.

  1. Rxh5 Rg2+
  2. Kf4 f6
  3. Qc5 fxe5+

0-1

Diagram 3b: Mieses – Duras, position after 38… fxe5+

White resigned as he would get mated very soon. Once again, this game showed us how dangerous Black’s activity can get once he manages to break the centre and release his position. Because of this, in this structure, White must be extremely cautious about these central breakthroughs.

Let’s move on to the next section and learn how to get this pawn structure on your chess board!

How do you reach this pawn structure?

Although the name might lead you to think otherwise, the caro pawn formation does not only come from the Caro-Kann Opening. Indeed, this is one of the most versatile chess structures, and it can be originated from very different openings.

Let’s start with the one who names it: te Caro-Kann.  A lot of lines in this opening can lead to this pawn formation. One example is:

  1. e4 c6
  2. d4 d5
  3. Nc3 dxe4
  4. Nxe4 Nd7
  5. Nf3 Ngf6
  6. Nxf6+ Nxf6
  7. Bc4 e6
Diagram 3c: Caro-Kann, position after 7…e6

Another Opening that can lead to this pawn formation is the French defense:

  1. e4 e6
  2. d4 d5
  3. Nc3 dxe4
  4. Nxe4
Diagram 3d: Caro-Kann, position after 4. Nxe4

White’s c-pawn will go to c3 or even directly to c4 and Black’s c-pawn will usually go to c5, leaving us with the well-known Caro formation.

The Alekhine can also lead to the Caro Formation in the following way:

  1. e4 Nf6
  2. e5 Nd5
  3. d4 d6
  4. Nf3 dxe5
  5. Nxe5 c6
Diagram 3e: Alekhine, position after 5…c6

The Scandinavian can also easily turn into a Caro formation pawn structure:

  1. e4 d5
  2. exd5 Nf6
  3. d4 Nxd5
  4. Nf3 Bf5
  5. Be2 e6
Diagram 3f: Scandinavian, position after 5…e6

These are just some examples: in fact, there are numerous move orders in different openings that can lead to a caro pawn structure. Because of this, it is crucial that you study this pawn formation. Even if you don’t play any of the above mentioned openings, it is still very likely that this chess structure will appear on your board at some point. Luckily, now that you are nearly finishing this article, you will know exactly what to do!

Conclusions

Before you are completely ready to get good results with this structure in your games, let’s sum up everything about the Caro formation and draw some conclusions.

  • The Caro formation is usually associated with slow-paced, strategic games
  • This structure has a sister: the Slav formation. The only difference between these two is the fact that, in the Caro formation, White has a pawn on c3, whereas on the Slav there is a pawn on e3. The structures should be studied separately because of this difference
  • In this structure, Black’s d-pawn has been exchanged for White’s c-pawn. This results in White having a Queenside majority, which can be an advantage in the endgame
  • The asymmetry in the pawn structure leaves White with the semi-open e-file and Black with the semi-open d-file to explore
  • In the Caro formation, White has a more advanced pawn on d4, and a pawn supporting it on c3, while Black’s centre is supported by the pawns on c6 and e6.
  • Because of the d4-pawn, White has a space advantage in this structure. In fact, White should be a little better in the beginning of most games in this pawn formation, and because of this Black has to fight for equality.
  • Black’s most common ways of trying to equalize the position are central breaks. For these, black has two options: the move …c6-c5 and …e6-e5.
  • The break …e6-e5 results in a symmetrical structure, whereas the move …c6-c5 leaves Black with a minority of two pawns on the Queenside
  • Black’s central breaks should be taken seriously by White: usually Black manages to get an at least equal position after these
  • Exchanging pieces is usually good for Black, as he lacks space
  • White can choose between a direct attack or a strategic game where the main goal is the control of the centre
  • White’s direct attack is usually developed on the kingside. The diagonal b1-h7 is very important, as it is common for White to be able to place his bishop and his Queen here, attacking the weak h7-pawn
  • Combined with the kingside attack, there is usually a knight waiting to jump to e5. The e5-outpost is an excellent square for White to place a knight in, and this could be of great use in the attack
  • Besides this, White can try to expand in the centre by advancing his c-pawn. This expansion can be done to c4 or c5
  • The move c3-c4 usually provides White with a very good control of the centre and a stable position
  • The move c3-c4-c5 gives White the control of the weak d6-square, but it leaves the d4-pawn backwards
  • When White chooses to advance his c-pawn, it is usually a good idea for Black to pressure on the semi-open d-file, or to advance his b-pawn, threatening White’s c-pawn.
  • This structure is very common and versatile. It can be reached by multiple openings and different move orders

You have finally reached the end of another pawn structure article. Now you are ready to play games in this structure and get exciting results! Congratulations on mastering one more pawn structure – keep reading our pawn structure articles to see your strategic chess skills quickly improving!

 

 

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