Bernal Gambit vs Caro Kann
Table of Contents
Hi! I found this several months ago, and have used it a few times in OTB. Its like a Milner-Barry vs the French, but vs the Caro. I really like that we’ve reached a French structure, as my Caro opponents are uncomfortable with the blocked c8 bishop.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. Nf3 cxd4 5. c4N
Black can take dxc3, dxc4, or decline with e6 or Nc6. c4 looks odd, but it’s important to pressure d5. If instead 5. c3? then Nc6, followed by Bf5 & e6, black is better.
Accepted, dxc3
5…dxc3 6. Nxc3 (attacks d5) e6 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. O-O
Most of my opponents accept the gambit, it looks like a bad move. But really its very similar to the Milner-Barry. White has a long-term initiative for the pawn. i.e.
8…Nge7 9. Re1 (9. Bg5 is more complicated but also good) Ng6 10. g3 Bc5 11. h4
White can play for Bf4, h5, a3, b4, Ra2. Just complete domination.
White is +0.3, according to lichess stockfish.
Accepted, dxc4
5…dxc4 6. Bxc4 Nc6 7. 0-0 e6
There is a fun trap if 6…Bg4? 7. Bxf7+ Kxf7 8. Ng5+
Again, white just has a little initiative for the pawn. Easy plan: Nbd2, Re1, Ne4. If Nge7->Ng6, then g3, h4. A little awkward for black to develop. I’m happy with this. Again, white is +0.3 according to lichess stockfish.
Declined, e6
Transposes to a mainline position often reached via:
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. c4 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e6
White scores 30% wins, 14% losses in the lichess master database, so it seems like a very healthy line.
Example game from Sam Shankland, after declined/dxc4 (black forces a queen trade):
Example ICCF game in declined e6 mainline:
I was going to make a video, but I think its pretty straightforward. I really like the line and I hope you do too!