A recurring theme in the Caro-Kann Short Variation

Sometimes in chess, a recurring theme arises in a particular opening. Knowing lots of such themes can make it easier to find opportunities in one’s own play. Recently, I came across an interesting theme in the Short Variation of the Advance Caro-Kann.

The Short Variation begins with

This has become one of white’s most popular weapons against the Caro-Kann in recent times, and leads to fascinating positional play. Black has freed his light squared bishop (in contrast to the Advance French), but has a somewhat awkward task in completing his development, partly because his king’s knight has nowhere obvious to go (f6 is defended, e7 blocks the king’s bishop, and f5 is taken already).

Take a look at the following positions from the Short Variation and ask yourself what they have in common, and what you would play as white in each case.

Proceed to the next page when you think you know what you would do!