Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

The Carlsbad Structure – Complete Lesson

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
05.17.2019
Category: Middle Game
Tags: carlsbad, karpov, kasparov, minority attack, weakness,
The Carlsbad Structure – Complete Lesson

The Carlsbad pawn structure refers to the formation that arises usually, but not exclusively, from the Exchange Variation of the Queen’s Gambit.

It can also be reached from other Queen’s Pawn openings such as the Nimzo-Indian and Grunfeld.

We find the same structure, but this time with reversed colors, in the Exchange Variation of the Caro-Kann.

***

Carlsbad

The Carlsbad structure

The usual plans for white in this type of structure are:

1. The minority attack

Probably the most popular plan for white here. The idea is to start a pawn storm on the queenside in order to create weaknesses in Black’s camp. After playing b4 and b5 (with or without a4), the c6 and a7 pawns will become weak and white will have clear targets of attack;

Carlsbad

2. Plan B

The second plan (one of Kasparov’s favorites in this structure!) is to play in the center and achieve the break e3-e4. White usually prepares this by playing f2-f3 first, so that he can control the whole center after an exchange on e4.

Carlsbad

Black, on the other hand, should try to create counterplay on the kingside and/or stop white’s minority attack. He can do so in several ways:

3. The a5

He can play a5 with the idea of exchanging the a-pawn for white’s b pawn. This prevents white’s plan of creating two weaknesses on the queenside;

Carlsbad

4. Create a passed pawn on the a-file

In order to do so, black must be ready to meet white’s b5 with cxb5 and a5 after axb5. This idea is usually executed with a knight on b6 that’s ready to jump to c4 and obtain the initiative on the queenside;

Carlsbad

5. Bonus idea

One last idea is to try to get rid of any potential weaknesses on the queenside. He can play Rc8 and a6 in order to meet b5 with axb5 followed by c5.

Carlsbad

In the next example, we can see how Karpov uses the minority attack in order to weaken black’s structure. A key moment of the game is white’s move Na5 before executing the typical b5 break.

By doing so, he controls the square c5 and prevents black from playing …c5 himself. On the other hand, black correctly sought counterplay on the kingside and even had one chance of taking the advantage. However, after missing this moment, Karpov stopped his attack and went on to win the game.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • The Tarrasch Defence according to super-GM DubovThe Tarrasch Defence according to super-GM Dubov
  • Fabulous Hedgehog: A Must-Have System for Every Chess PlayerFabulous Hedgehog: A Must-Have System for Every Chess Player
  • carlsbad structure karpovThe Carlsbad Structure – Anatoly Karpov’s Way
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Elliott Winslow
05.17.2019 19:19

The notes in Karpov-Campora are out of sync with the moves.

0
Reply
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz