Caro Kann Defense Goldman Variation
Caro-Kann Defense – Goldman Variation
Definition
The Goldman Variation is a sub-line of the Caro-Kann Defence that arises after the moves:
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6.
Instead of the more popular 4…Bf5 (Classical Variation) or 4…Nd7 (Karpov Variation), Black
immediately challenges the e4-knight with …Nf6, offering to exchange minor pieces and aiming
for rapid development. The line is named after the American master
Max P. Goldman, who analysed and championed it in the 1940s–50s.
Typical Move Order
- e4 c6
- d4 d5
- Nc3 dxe4
- Nxe4 Nf6 (Goldman Variation)
From here the two most critical continuations are:
- 5. Nxf6+ exf6 – leading to an open f-file for Black and symmetrical pawn structure.
- 5. Ng3 (or 5. Bd3) – keeping pieces on the board and preserving the pawn structure but allowing Black an extra tempo for development.
Strategic Ideas
• For Black:
By exchanging knights or forcing them back, Black reduces White’s central pressure and
quickens piece activity. The typical plans include …Bf5 (or …Bg4), castling kingside,
and pressuring the e- and c-files with rooks. After 5.Nxf6+ exf6 the doubled
f-pawns give Black extra control over e5, and the open half-file on f8–f5 can be used
to attack. The structure is solid and “Caro-Kann-like” while avoiding some of the heavy
theory in the Classical main line.
• For White:
White usually chooses between the structural approach (5.Nxf6+ exf6 6.c3 or 6.Bd3)
and the positional retreat (5.Ng3). In both cases White aims for a space advantage,
quick development, and queenside expansion with c4 and Qb3. Keeping the dark-squared
bishop active—often via Bd3 and Qe2/h5—is a recurring theme.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
• The variation first appeared in master practice in New York tournaments of the late
1930s, where Max Goldman repeatedly used it to draw or beat higher-rated opposition.
• Although overshadowed by the Classical and Karpov systems, the Goldman line remains
a fully valid surprise weapon—especially in rapid and online play where deep theoretical
preparation can be sidestepped.
• Modern engines evaluate the position after 5.Nxf6+ exf6 as roughly equal
(≈0.20), confirming its soundness.
• Strong grandmasters such as Nikola Borisov, Erwin l’Ami, and
Hou Yifan have experimented with the variation, giving it renewed
credibility in the 21st century.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short encounter shows Black’s typical ideas after the critical 5.Nxf6+ exf6:
Key motifs:
• Black’s doubled f-pawns restrict White’s minor pieces.
• The semi-open f-file and the active light-squared bishop create latent kingside threats.
• White’s queen adventure (15.Qh5) fails to break through once Black consolidates with …g6.
Model Classical Game
Portisch – Karpov, Amsterdam 1972
Karpov demonstrated the flexibility of the Goldman structure, equalising effortlessly
and later outplaying Portisch in a long rook ending. The game is often cited
in theoretical manuals.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line was nearly christened the “New-York Variation,” but tournament bulletin editor Al Horowitz insisted on honouring Goldman, who provided the original analysis notes.
- Because 4…Nf6 invites an early queen move (5.Qd3!?), blitz specialists jokingly call it the “How do you like my queen on d3?” system.
- During a 2018 Titled Tuesday event, GM Hikaru Nakamura tried the Goldman Variation on three occasions, scoring 2½/3 and sparking a brief surge of interest on streaming platforms.
Practical Tips
• If you enjoy the solid, counter-punching character of the Caro-Kann but dislike memorising
long Classical king-side lines, keep the Goldman Variation in your repertoire as an
early-move-order trick.
• After 5.Ng3, don’t rush to exchange on g3; instead play …Bg4 followed by …e6 and
…Nbd7, maintaining tension.
• In the 5.Nxf6+ exf6 branch, timely breaks with …c5 or …f5 are crucial—do not
allow White to build an unchallenged pawn centre.
Further Study
- “Caro-Kann in Black & White” by Lars Schandorff – Chapter on Early …Nf6 Ideas
- Chess Informant 73, Game 154 (annotated by Portisch)
- Caro-Kann Defense overview for related structures.