TL Chess Match 3 - Page 3

e5 is not the best move in the caro because it basically gives black a game that is better than the French Defense. And the French is pretty solid. I think we should stick to the main lines. Just because jfazz knows what he is doing doesnt mean we should just avoid the mainlines because we're scared of playing them. We're not. We are capable and playing them. Its a correspondence game, its not like we can't figure this out, and its not like jfazz will be so shocked at a change in opening that he starts making errors. The main line of the caro is actually pretty good for white.

Jfazz will probably play the Bf5 line instead of the Nd7. After

3. Nc3 dxe4
4. Nxe4 Bf5
5. Ng3 Bg6
6. Nf3 Nd7 (not h4, I think the h4 line just gives white a weakness)
7. Bd3 Bxd3
8. Qxd3 e6
9. Bf4 Ngf6
10. 0-0

I think we're fine.

exd5...just gives up the center for no reason. I sometimes like the exchange in the French because the light square bishop is good on the a2-g8 diagonal. But with the caro exchange, the e6 pawn makes that play rather useless. Plus, the c6-e6 structure in the main line can cramp black's game. With the c pawn gone black has plenty of options and can develop his queenside knight to c6 normally. I think black gets too much from the exchange. And the advance.

3. f3 dxe4
4. fxe4 e5!

Busting open the center and threatening things like Qh4+.

5. Nf3 exd4
6. Qxd4 Qxd4

...and any chances of an attacking game are lost. We also are saddled with an isolated pawn. Not all too good if you ask me.