Play the Caro-Kann

The Caro-Kann is a reliable yet at the same time dynamic answer to White's most popular opening move, 1 e4. It has the seal of approval of numerous leading Grandmasters including Vishy Anand, Evgeny Bareev and Alexey Dreev, as well as former World Champion Anatoly Karpov, who has utilized it with great success throughout his illustrious career. One of the attractions of the Caro-Kann is that it suits a variety of different styles; it can lead to wild tactical battles as well as quiet, positional play. Jovanka Houska is a young International Master who has taken the big step of becoming Britain's only female chess professional. Highlights of her short career so far include winning the European Girls Junior Championship, representing the England team at numerous Chess Olympiads and qualifying for the 2006 Women's World Championship. She is also a regular writer for both CHESS and ChessMoves.