I play a rare variation against the Fantasy Caro-Kann. My opponent prepared against it, and I knew it. I went for it anyway.
Playing slightly unsound variations is not a bad idea. Even though the engine doesn’t think a line is optimal, it doesn’t mean that your opponent will have an easy time dealing with it. What I chose to play in this game was different though. My opponent prepared for it and learned how to try and punish me. Even though I knew how to respond to the best line I got in trouble fairly quickly. My position was harder to play, I couldn’t castle, and I had given up the bishop pair early on.
I wasn’t losing. But I did lose. It was a very interesting game and it highlighted the tactical weaknesses in my play. I understood the game very poorly and got destroyed. A lot to learn!
Lajbl J. (2218) – Tomic S. (2001)
Fantasy Caro-Kann
Liberec Open 2022, Round 9
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