The tutor reflects on some of his early chess discoveries.

I always play black against the computer. I set the difficulty so that I win about 30% of the time. Therefore, if I don’t play carefully, I lose.

The defense I had early success with against White’s queen’s pawn opening is Caro-Kann. I find it’s a patient opening; getting an early advantage from it is unlikely. However, it’s a strong defense.

One advantage of the Caro-Kann is that the pawn at c6 prevents White’s knight from invading the queen side at b5. The computer, as White, likes to attack that way.

Another advantage of the Caro-Kann is that the c-pawn, being moved to c6 early, can likely replace the d pawn in the centre. Converting a side pawn to a centre pawn is generally an advantage in chess, in my experience.

My success with the Caro-Kann often comes from queenside expansion, which is probably why winning from the Caro-Kann is gradual.

Playing as Black, none of Tal, Fishcer, Carlsen, Capablanca, or Polgar seems to like the Caro-Kann. Tal, Fischer and Polgar like King’s Indian, whereas Carlsen and Capablanca prefer Ruy Lopez.

I’ve begun studying King’s Indian; it’s tough going sometimes:)

Source:

chessgames.com

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.