In the Carlsbad structure (from the QGD Exchange), White advances the b- and a-pawns against Black's three queenside pawns to create a weakness on c6.
Key principles
- Prepare with Rb1, then b4–b5
- After bxc6 Black is left with a weak c-pawn or isolated d-pawn
- Black seeks counterplay on the kingside or with ...Ne4
Common mistakes
- Pushing b5 before it is supported
- Ignoring Black's kingside counterplay