By IM John Donaldson, USA Olympic Team Captain and author
The resurgence of interest in the London System, Exchange variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined and Exchange variation of the Caro Kann has led to interest in the underlying pawn structure common to all three openings. The pawn structure d4 and e3 versus d5 and c6 or d4 and c3 versus d5 and e6, is commonly referred to as the Carlsbad structure. It gets its name from the Carlsbad (now Karlovy Vary) 1923 tournament although it made its first tournament appearance much earlier.
The Carlsbad Pawn Structure Revisited by French Grandmaster Christian Bauer examines the typical plans for both sides. These include:
Strategic Plans for White
- Minority Attack (b4-b5) – White advances pawns on the queenside to create weaknesses in Black’s camp (especially the backward c6 pawn).
- Central Breaks (e4) – White can prepare e3-e4 to break in the center, challenging Black’s d5 control.
- King’s Side Play (f3 & g4) – Occasionally, White shifts plans to the kingside, especially if Black castles kingside.
Strategic Plans for Black
- Kingside Attack (f5-f4) – Black can initiate counterplay by pushing pawns on the kingside.
- Blockade & Knight Maneuvers – Knights on d6 or e4 can help control key squares.
- C-file Control – Placing a rook on c8 and contesting the open c-file is a common idea.
There is no question that learning to play both sides of the Carlsbad variation will pay big dividends.
