Like the French Defense (1...e6), the Caro-Kann aims for 2...d5. It has the advantage that it doesn't block the Bc8 behind its own Pawns; moves like ...Bf5 and ...Bg4 are still possible. It has the disadvantage that Black's first move develops nothing and takes away the best square for the Nb8. It also loses a tempo if Black plays ...c5 later in the opening.
The most common continuation is 2.d4 d5, when White has four different ways to proceed.
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3.Nc3, when 3...dxe4 is almost forced, although 3...g6 is playable. After 4.Nxe4, Black has the choice of 4...Bf5, 4...Nd7, and 4...Nf6. The move 3.Nd2 leads to the same after 3...dxe4 4.Nxe4.
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3.exd5 cxd5. White has the choice between the aggressive 4.c4 and the quieter 4.Bd3.
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3.e5, the Advance Variation.
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3.f3, the most unusual continuation.
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2.c4, planning to exchange twice on d5.
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2.Nc3, planning to avoid d2-d4 altogether.
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Other moves that aren't discussed here are 2.d3, leading to a King's Indian Attack after 2...d5 3.Nd2; 2.Nf3, and 2.b3.
