What's trendy in Opening Theory #2 A simple way to get an edge vs...
Nikos Ntirlis@NikolaosNtirlis
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Apr 18, 2026
~1 min read
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What's trendy in Opening Theory #2
A simple way to get an edge vs the Caro Kann is:
2.Nf3 d5 3.d3!?
In this thread 🧵, I'll share the most popular and best lines for both sides.
A simple way to get an edge vs the Caro Kann is:
2.Nf3 d5 3.d3!?
In this thread 🧵, I'll share the most popular and best lines for both sides.
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Black's best is to exchange queens:
1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. d3 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1
and now the most popular database option is
5... Bg4 6. Be2 Nd7 7.Ne1! and White scores 82%!
1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. d3 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1
and now the most popular database option is
5... Bg4 6. Be2 Nd7 7.Ne1! and White scores 82%!
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The engines' recommendation is 5...Nf6 6. Nfd2 g5! 7.a4! h5 8. Nc3 h4
(8... Nbd7 9. Nc4 is better for White)
9. h3! Nh5 10. Nf3 f6 11. e5! (Subelj- Krstulovic, Budapest 2021)
White has a safe small edge.
(8... Nbd7 9. Nc4 is better for White)
9. h3! Nh5 10. Nf3 f6 11. e5! (Subelj- Krstulovic, Budapest 2021)
White has a safe small edge.
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Do you have questions about the 3.d3!? line in the Caro Kann? I'll be happy to answer them.
I'll be publishing a new opening trend every week. Leave your suggestions on what you want to see next time!
I'll be publishing a new opening trend every week. Leave your suggestions on what you want to see next time!