The Caro-Kann Defence, move by move

Black supports d5 with c6 and gets the light-squared bishop out early. Safe and sound. You play Black. Opening code B19.

1. 1. e4 White takes the centre.
2. 1… c6 Prepares d5 without blocking the c8 bishop, unlike the French.
3. 2. d4 White builds a big centre.
4. 2… d5 Black challenges e4.
5. 3. Nc3 White defends e4 with a piece.
6. 3… dxe4 Black trades the centre pawn.
7. 4. Nxe4 White recaptures.
8. 4… Bf5 The point of the Caro-Kann: the bishop comes out and hits the knight.
9. 5. Ng3 The knight retreats and attacks the bishop.
10. 5… Bg6 The bishop steps back and keeps its good diagonal.
11. 6. h4 White threatens h5 to trap the bishop.
12. 6… h6 Gives the bishop an escape square on h7.
13. 7. Nf3 White develops and eyes e5.
14. 7… Nd7 Black stops Ne5 and keeps f6 free for the other knight.
15. 8. h5 White chases the bishop and gains kingside space.
16. 8… Bh7 The bishop is safe on h7, still on its long diagonal.

The plan from here

Develop the bishop before e6, keep a solid pawn structure and play for a good endgame.