Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation – Van der Wiel Attack
Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation
Definition
The Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense begins with the moves
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5.
By advancing the e-pawn, White grabs space in the centre and immediately
fixes Black’s d-pawn. This single tempo creates a position that is
strategically very different from the more classical Exchange (3.exd5)
or Main Lines (3.Nc3 / 3.Nd2).
Typical Move Orders
- 3…Bf5 – the traditional main line (ECO B12). Black develops the queen’s bishop outside the pawn chain before closing the e-pawn with …e6.
- 3…c5 – the “Immediate Counter-strike” (ECO B13). Black challenges the d-pawn without spending a tempo on development.
- 3…g6 – the Gurgenidze system, leading to flexible fianchetto structures.
Strategic Themes
The variation is often compared to the French Advance (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5), but the placement of Black’s c-pawn on c6 instead of c7 changes the character:
- Space vs. Solidity – White enjoys extra space on e5 and d4, while Black gets the famously solid Caro-Kann pawn structure.
- Light-squared Bishop – Unlike in the French, Black can usually free the c8-bishop with …Bf5, avoiding long-term problems on the light squares.
- Minority Attacks – The pawn chain (e5-d4-c3) invites breaks with c4 or f4. Black, in return, often uses …c5, …f6 or …e5 to chip away at White’s centre.
- Endgame Prospects – Because the pawn structure is relatively fixed, early exchanges can lead to favourable endings for the side that owns more space (usually White) or the healthier pawn structure (often Black).
Historical Significance
The line was popularised in the 1920s by Aron Nimzowitsch and later received serious attention from Tigran Petrosian, Viktor Korchnoi, and modern super-GMs such as Magnus Carlsen. Its reputation has swung back and forth; early engines disliked the space grab, but today’s neural-network evaluations frequently rate the variation highly for White, inspiring a new generation of practitioners.
Model Game
[[Pgn|e4|c6|d4|d5|e5|Bf5|Nc3|e6|g4|Bg6|h4|h5|g5|Bb4|Nge2|c5| fen|rnbqk2r/pp2pppp/2p1b1b1/2PpP1Pp/1b1P3P/2N5/PP2NP1/ R1BQKBNR b KQkq - 0 9|arrows|g4g5|squares|e5 d4 h4]]The diagram shows one of the sharpest positions in the 5.g4 “Van der Wiel” set-up (see next section), illustrating the typical tension and opposite-wing pawn storms.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Botvinnik – Capablanca, AVRO 1938 featured an early version of the Advance Variation, decades before it became fashionable.
- When Garry Kasparov first faced IBM’s Deep Blue (1997), he used the Advance Variation in Game 5, scoring a quick win that showcased the line’s attacking potential.
- Because the structure is so resilient, many club players adopt the Advance Variation as a low-maintenance anti-Caro weapon; it avoids the heavy theory of the Panov or Classical lines while still demanding strategic accuracy from Black.
Van der Wiel Attack
Definition
The Van der Wiel Attack is a razor-sharp system within the Advance
Variation of the Caro-Kann. After
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nc3 e6 5. g4!
White hurls the g-pawn forward to chase Black’s
light-squared bishop and seize kingside space.
Origin & Naming
The idea was pioneered by Dutch GM John van der Wiel in the early 1980s. His spectacular victories with the plan of g4–h4–h5 convinced theoreticians that the bishop could be hunted with practical chances for both sides. The epithet “Van der Wiel Attack” quickly stuck in opening manuals and the ECO (B12).
Main Line & Plans
- 5…Bg6 6.h4 h5 – the critical response. Black locks the kingside and relies on future breaks with …c5 or …f6.
- 6.Nge2 – White keeps pieces flexibly behind the pawn phalanx, intending Nf4, Be3, Qd2 and long castling.
- Structural Targets – If Black ever plays …hxg4, the open h-file can become a lethal attacking avenue once White castles long.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Exchange sacrifice on h5: Rxh5! to rip open the king’s shelter.
- King walk: The black king sometimes scurries to e7 or f8 to avoid direct fire on the h-file.
- Central counterplay: Black must hit back with …c5 or …f6 before the kingside pawns roll too far.
Illustrative Game
J. van der Wiel – A. Yusupov, Tilburg 1984
[[Pgn|e4|c6|d4|d5|e5|Bf5|Nc3|e6|g4|Bg6|h4|h5|Nge2|c5|Nf4|Bh7|Nxh5|cxd4|Qxd4|Nc6|Bb5|Qc7|Be3|O-O-O|Bxc6|Qxc6|Qxa7|d4| fen|2kr3r/ Qb4bBp/4p3/7N/3Q3P/4B3/4N1P1/2KR4 b - - 0 20|arrows|h5f6|squares|h5 d4]]The Dutch grandmaster’s trademark pawns steamroll the kingside while Black’s queen venture to a7 proves too optimistic. This game cemented the line’s fighting reputation.
Modern Status
Engine analysis reveals that, with accurate play, both sides can claim approximate equality, but the positions remain wildly unbalanced. Consequently, the Van der Wiel Attack is a favourite of players who want to avoid the heavy positional battles of the Short or Karpov systems and dive straight into hand-to-hand combat.
Fun Facts
- Because of the early pawn thrusts, commentators sometimes nickname the line the “Caro-Kann Gone Wild.”
- Several strong correspondence and engine games have shown the bizarre possibility of Black castling queenside after …Kd7–c7–Kb8, highlighting the asymmetrical nature of the struggle.
- At the 2021 World Rapid Championship, GM Alireza Firouzja used the Van der Wiel Attack to defeat a 2700-rated opponent in just 25 moves, proving the opening’s continued practical sting.