Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nc3/3...dxe4/4. Nxe4/4...Nf6/5. Nxf6/5...gxf6

= Caro-Kann Defence:Bronstein-Larsen Variation =

Black has voluntarily opted for an inferior kingside pawn structure, an isolated h-pawn, and a practical necessity of castling queenside, but also has some compensation in the form of the open g-file for the rook and unusually active play for the Caro-Kann. It is generally considered somewhat more unsound than 5...exf6, but former top-10 player Bent Larsen employed it with some success during the 1970s. Black has more control of the center and a possible ...Bh6 later on.

Theory table
.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ gxf6