Alexey Bezgodov presents an unusual idea for White against the ever popular Caro-Kann Defence. The Russian Grandmaster and chess opening expert advocates a very early deviation, the annoying and little explored 3.f3!?

This move may look unimpressive at first sight, but it considerably complicates life for Caro-Kann players, as it makes Black"s main problem bigger: the development of his bishop on c8. Small wonder that an increasing number of strong grandmasters, such as Vassily Ivanchuk, Alexander Morozevich and Judit Polgar, have incorporated this move in their repertoire.

After 3.f3!? the bishop on c8 has nowhere to go, and Black will often struggle to avoid enduring problems. White"s chances to obtain an advantage are substantial, as Bezgodov shows in this fascinating new chapter in modern chess opening theory, packed with original analysis and clear explanations.