This is no lie. In 80 % of my Caro-Kann blitz games here on lichess the guys playing White come up with this stuff. And I'm wondering why.
This is really nothing. Why not play 3.e5 (which I think is the most dangerous for Black) or the more solid 3.Nc3/Nd2?
In this exchange variation with c3 (c4 is another matter) you have as Black a concrete plan to play a minority attack on the queenside. This is all you have to do. In most cases it works like a charm whereas the opponent is running out of ideas.
Well, sometimes you get outplayed by someone who has good knowledge and is able to place as White an attack at the kingside whereas you are picking an useless pawn on the queenside - but this is very seldom.
Bobby Fischer played it twice in his prime. Too bad he is not still alive so he can't read this post...
Fischer also played the two knights variation which I think is also not good. But his opponents at that time didn't see the trap he was setting. You have no problems when you play 3.- a6.
True, it has a high number of followers. Although it was Bobby Fischer‘s pet line it somewhat rings hollow today. But don’t underestimate it!
Some high rated guy either won with a crushing attack or put out a repertoire video stating that this was best. The sheep who were effected by this and adopted the standard king side attack supported by the knight on e5 plan. Trust me (Trust me when I say, "Never trust a man who says, 'Trust me.'"), you're guilty of the same mentality. You were taught about the minority attack and try to implement this plan in every game when this position arrives. Once you learn of a better or trendy plan (and I already fear more), you'll adopt this play and laugh at how pathetic the minority attack in the Caro-Kann Exchange variation seems.
I played the London System (what I thought was a tamer Colle and easy to study) before Carlsen was born. The general consensus, despite my many victories, was that the system was complete garbage as it didn't apply enough pressure. Carlsen had success with the opening and now everyone thinks that it's the greatest opening.
You're final sentence states the real issue; the player who has better knowledge/experience normally doesn't need these opening "tricks" to win game, the better player wins despite the opening.
Maybe I can share a video of mine with some basics? I haven’t put too much time in my first (and last!) English one, hope u like it nevertheless.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=GbvoskYyplIChess forums are only place where 2000s refute opening lines played by the greatest players of all time.
Yes! Even worse, I feel like in my games they don't even play the "proper" exchange variation with Bd3 but rather something like this:
1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. d4 (or with 2. d4 and 4. Nf3)
Check the repertoire explorer with the "lichess" book: The lower you set the rating, the higher the percentage of people playing 2. Nf3 (instead of d4) and 3. exd5 (instead of the two knights attack). But it stay common even over 2000. What this basically means is that the Caro Kann is one of the best openings for anyone wanting to reach solid equality after three moves! The win rate already tilts in blacks favor.
"True, it has a high number of followers. Although it was Bobby Fischer‘s pet line it somewhat rings hollow today. But don’t underestimate it!"
I never underestimated the two knights variation. I have seen the Fischer games with h3, g4, Bb5, Ne5 and how Black was crushed. This was depressing for a Caro-Kann player. Later I found the move 3.- a6. This is the only move that fits in all variations - advanced or exchange. Of course I checked the databases and saw that the move was played before and lately by grandmasters and I was happy because it meant it was a good move.
@sheldonleecooper515 This was not the point of my posting to refute anything. It is a variation where Black is still one step behind but has a good chance to equalize early.
The point of my post was that I don't understand why 80 % of my opponents play this line. There are better lines.
If you have an idea why they play Bd3 I appreciate your answer.
