Answers.Body: <blockquote>
    <p>It needs to be as much similar to the Caro-Kann as possible (since I already play the Caro-Kann against 1. e4).</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Impossible. The problem with this approach is that you have already stopped <code>e4</code> with <code>...d5</code> so White simply can not transpose even if he wished to do so. Your best bet is the Slav defense, as it is very similar to Caro-Kann ( same pawn structure for Black, with the <code>Bf5</code> bishop ), but even then there are ways for White to deviate into sharp and very different lines.</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>On average it must tend to lead to positions which are as much solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet as possible (I want nothing sharp and tactical).</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>The best candidate fitting into this description is <em>Queen's Gambit Declined.</em> </p>
  
  <p>Only Black can sharpen the game by transposing into <em>Semi-Slav with Botvinnik system</em> or with some sharp lines in the Slav with <code>...b5</code>, but if you wish you can always steer the game into solid, positional lines. Then White will have no way to sharpen the game ( neither do you ), and you both will have to battle with dull, positional maneuvers and plans. </p>
  
  <p>Be warned, it is very hard to play these positions as Black and tactical skill here is practically irrelevant! Most of the time you will have a hard time defending, and you will have to learn how to properly engineer a freeing break. That is not an easy task, just so you know ( I am speaking this from experience )! </p>
  
  <p>In order to play this opening well with either color you also must know how to play <em>typical positions</em> very very well ( not to mention you need strong endgame knowledge! ), but this might suit your style ( based on your description in second criteria ). </p>
  
  <h2>SUMMARY:</h2>
  
  <p>Chess would be too simple if you could play one opening against every opponent's reply. This especially applies for Black! I once too wanted to play the Caro-Kann against everything, but after very thorough study I was forced to realize that it isn't possible.</p>
  
  <p>As for positional opening against <code>1.d4</code>, your best bet are the dull lines of the Queen's gambit declined. In every other opening White <em>always</em> have a chance to sharpen the game ( always! ), but if you choose this path be ready for a long defense which will usually give you no more than a draw. Still, you will get the solidity and quietness you seek...</p>
  
  <p>If you need further help or clarifications leave a comment.</p>
  
  <p>Best regards.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-20T16:52:45.753Z
Answers.Text: I like this answer except for the weird bolding...
Answers.UserDisplayName: Potato
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-20T17:38:52.187Z
Answers.Text: @Potato: I know that this is my personal flaw, but I feel obliged to **clearly** point out the **most** relevant stuff so OP does not miss it... The bold part should instruct the reader to think thoroughly about its content or to memorize it. If you could suggest the better solution for this I would actually be very grateful since I do recognize this to be a flaw as I have stated earlier. Thank you for the constructive criticism ( and upvote? ). Best regards!
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-20T17:42:03.883Z
Answers.Text: I find that the bolding just makes it harder to read. Your post is already succinct and high quality, and I don't think the bolding adds anything and in fact detracts from it a little. Possible solution: just don't bold anything?
Answers.UserDisplayName: Potato
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-20T20:14:33.300Z
Answers.Text: @Potato: Removed bold font from this post...
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-21T20:53:03.453Z
Answers.Text: Thanks for your answer. 
  But I'm not sure that the QGD really is the number 1 most positional/slow/strategic/quiet/closed opening against 1. d4. 
  I just looked at ChessBase's statistiques after 1.d4 d5 2. c4 : a draw is more likely with 2... c6 than with 2... e6
Answers.UserDisplayName: Fate
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-21T20:53:37.400Z
Answers.Text: You said that the Slav was the opening which is the most similar to the Caro-Kann. So which Slav would you recommend me to play precisely? : the Slav Accepted (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4) and the Slow Slav (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5), the Slav Chebanenko (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 and 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 a6 and 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 a6), the Semi-Slav (with ...c6 and ...e6), or something else? Which variation of the Slav is the most similar to the Caro-Kann? Which variation of the Slav is the most solid/positional/slow/strategic/quiet/closed ?
Answers.UserDisplayName: Fate
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-21T21:12:12.850Z
Answers.Text: @Petrosian: Those are 3 **different** Slav's you mentioned. Against `3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3` the move `...Bf5` is very strong. Against "normal" Slav move order `3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3` your best bet will be `...dxc4`. Then you will enter the setup with `c6 + e6` pawn structure and bishop on `f5`. You can play `Nf6 + Nbd7 + Be7` which is very similar to Caro-Kann. The problem is that even though your pawn structure and piece setup is practically the same as in Caro-Kann, White will have different piece setup and pawn structure. Also, White will have a chance to sharpen the game:
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-21T21:14:32.827Z
Answers.Text: `Ne5 + f3 + e4` is dangerous and leads to a **sharp** position in which **Black sacrifices bishop for 3 pawns.** This is highly theoretical, so say goodbye to slow positional play. With queen's gambit declined there is **practically nothing** White can do to sharpen the game unless you "allow it". The positions are positional and require smart planning and maneuvering. Think about it ( Chebanenko can be very sharp so I would dodge it )...
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T00:17:36.183Z
Answers.Text: Oh really? I was convinced that the Slav Chebanenko was solid, quiet and positional... I even wanted to buy the book "The Chebanenko Slav According to Bologan". It seemed to allow Black to develop his light squared Bishop, contrary to in the QGD when it is burried for the whole game... (the Slow Slav also allows this, but most of the time White plays Nh4 and gets the Bishop pair, something which I don't really like too much).
Answers.UserDisplayName: Fate
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T00:18:05.543Z
Answers.Text: The QGD isn't really turning me on, sorry. So if it's not asking you too much, what would you think are the 2nd and 3rd most solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet openings against 1.d4 ?
Answers.UserDisplayName: Fate
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T14:55:04.997Z
Answers.Text: @Petrosian: It is OK, QGD is indeed a pain to play ( too passive, no real winning chances... ). Every other opening contains **at least one** sharp line, so it is really up to you to decide. I would try Slav defense or Semi-Slav ( *David Vigorito-Play the Semi Slav, 2008* is a really good repertoire book ). These have the identical pawn structure ( `c6 + e6` pawns vs White `d4` pawn ) as Caro-Kann and offer good winning chances. They can become sharp, but this is "positional" sharpness, not the crazy tactical one. This is the best resemblance to Caro-Kann I can think of... Good luck!
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T14:59:03.017Z
Answers.Text: @Petrosian: As for Chebanenko, White can play `c5` at some point and you no longer have **typical** Caro-Kann type of pawn structure. There is also `...b5 b3` push where things become nasty... What I am trying to say is, in every other opening ( except QGD ) you have to count on White sharpening the game, but you stated in your post that you wish to avoid this.
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T22:28:48.163Z
Answers.Text: Okay, I bought: *Avrukh - The classical Slav*, *Flear - The ...a6 Slav* and *Bologan - The Chebanenko Slav According to Bologan*. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions my friend =)
Answers.UserDisplayName: Fate
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-22T22:50:39.040Z
Answers.Text: @Petrosian: Thank you for officially accepting the answers. I hope that they have genuinely helped you. If you have problems or you need further help, just leave me a comment. Good luck and best regards.
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-26T04:01:15.887Z
Answers.Text: probably he will end up with a combination of QGD/Slav anyway, it is impossible to ignore transpositions after some point
Answers.UserDisplayName: prusswan
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-26T12:47:35.443Z
Answers.Text: @prusswan: He can play Classical defense or Tartakower, thus avoiding the Slav and Semi-Slav... Some lines are similar in both Slav/Semi-Slav and QGD but those are positional and the gameplay for Black is nearly the same...
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-06-20T15:50:53.607Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-06-20T20:14:12.030Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2014-06-20T20:14:12.030Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
Answers.Body: <p>The semi-slav is the perfect compliment to the CK however it might be more tactical than what you want. The slav is good but drawish. </p>
  
  <p>I would recommend playing 1...c6 against everything and working out the transpositions. The Slav is probably fine for what you want but if that opening is too passive the semi-slav gives you a more aggressive game. </p>
  
  <p>If you don't like that, you have your choice of the QGD (1...d5), various Indian defenses (1...Nf6) or the flexible (1...e6)  </p>
  
  <p>On a side note, the colle for white fits very well with the CK/Slav ideas as black. A rep of colle/slav/ck is pretty simple to learn and reaches similar positions from both sides. It's all built around the same pawn structures. </p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2019-10-22T03:24:51.097Z
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Answers.UserDisplayName: Savage47
Answers.Body: <p>Some good ideas in the rest of the answers, but I'd like to add that if you like positions in the Panov attack, you should probably try the Queen's Gambit Declind, perhaps the Tarrasch variation. You'll get to plenty of isolated 'd' pawns from there, playing both with and against it.</p>
  
  <p>The Slav Defence appears to look like a Caro-Kann, but more often that not it looks nothing like it unless you allow your opponent to play <strong>e4</strong>, which is often not a good idea, as you'll probably have a worsened version of the classical Caro-Kann</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2019-10-23T07:56:49.227Z
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Answers.UserDisplayName: David
Answers.Body: <p>To try to minimize tactical complications early in your games against 1. d4 I would recommend you the Classical Slav, (but not the Semi-Slav), although very sharp and tactical positions may arise in every chess game! </p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2015-09-19T14:58:34.337Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2015-09-19T14:58:34.337Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: A. N. Other
Answers.Body: <p>I agree with a previous answer that it's hard, and maybe pointless, to seek a similar defense to the Caro Kann when facing 1.d4. </p>
  
  <p>But for your other requirements of positional solidity what about The Old Indian defense? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Indian_Defense" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Indian_Defense</a>
  The Old Indian is solid and respectable; it was played by Grandmasters such as Lothar Schmidt. In fact looking at his games now he played it a lot and described it as his "old friend." It's objectively fine; it's just lacks the hair raising tactics of the King's Indian.  </p>
  
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Answers.UserDisplayName: Snack_Food_Termite
Body: <p>I'm a 1750 Elo player. I have a very positional, quiet and strategic style of play.</p>
  
  <p>As White I play 1. d4, but I plan to also learn 1. Nf3 soon. As Black against 1. e4 I play the Caro-Kann.</p>
  
  <p>I would like an opening for Black against 1. d4 which meets these two conditions:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>It needs to be as much similar to the Caro-Kann as possible (since I already play the Caro-Kann against 1. e4).</li>
  <li>On average it must tend to lead to positions which are as much solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet as possible (I want nothing sharp and tactical).</li>
  </ul>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2018-01-19T09:42:59.200Z
Comments.Text: From your experience, could you suggest some positional openings for me? Being a beginner and an admirer of the positional style of play, I'd like the opinion of a fellow positional player!
Comments.UserDisplayName: Myungjin Hyun
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2020-01-02T00:56:29.187Z
Comments.Text: You should master ONE opening not keep adding more to your repertoire.
Comments.UserDisplayName: yobamamama
Tags: <opening><strategy><positional-play><1.d4><caro-kann>
Title: As Black, against 1. d4, what opening would you recommend me which is solid, positional, slow, strategic, quiet, closed, and similar to the Caro-Kann?
ThreadText: # As Black, against 1. d4, what opening would you recommend me which is solid, positional, slow, strategic, quiet, closed, and similar to the Caro-Kann?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-19)
  
  I'm a 1750 Elo player. I have a very positional, quiet and strategic style of play.
  
  As White I play 1. d4, but I plan to also learn 1. Nf3 soon. As Black against 1. e4 I play the Caro-Kann.
  
  I would like an opening for Black against 1. d4 which meets these two conditions:
  
  * It needs to be as much similar to the Caro-Kann as possible (since I already play the Caro-Kann against 1. e4).
  * On average it must tend to lead to positions which are as much solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet as possible (I want nothing sharp and tactical).
  
  **Tags:** opening, strategy, positional-play, 1.d4, caro-kann
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: From your experience, could you suggest some positional openings for me? Being a beginner and an admirer of the positional style of play, I'd like the opinion of a fellow positional player!  
  > **username_2**: You should master ONE opening not keep adding more to your repertoire.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 5 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_3 on 2014-06-20. Score: 9 | Accepted answer
  
  > It needs to be as much similar to the Caro-Kann as possible (since I already play the Caro-Kann against 1. e4).
  
  Impossible. The problem with this approach is that you have already stopped `e4` with `...d5` so White simply can not transpose even if he wished to do so. Your best bet is the Slav defense, as it is very similar to Caro-Kann ( same pawn structure for Black, with the `Bf5` bishop ), but even then there are ways for White to deviate into sharp and very different lines.
  
  > On average it must tend to lead to positions which are as much solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet as possible (I want nothing sharp and tactical).
  
  The best candidate fitting into this description is *Queen's Gambit Declined.*
  
  Only Black can sharpen the game by transposing into *Semi-Slav with Botvinnik system* or with some sharp lines in the Slav with `...b5`, but if you wish you can always steer the game into solid, positional lines. Then White will have no way to sharpen the game ( neither do you ), and you both will have to battle with dull, positional maneuvers and plans.
  
  Be warned, it is very hard to play these positions as Black and tactical skill here is practically irrelevant! Most of the time you will have a hard time defending, and you will have to learn how to properly engineer a freeing break. That is not an easy task, just so you know ( I am speaking this from experience )!
  
  In order to play this opening well with either color you also must know how to play *typical positions* very very well ( not to mention you need strong endgame knowledge! ), but this might suit your style ( based on your description in second criteria ).
  
  ## SUMMARY:
  
  Chess would be too simple if you could play one opening against every opponent's reply. This especially applies for Black! I once too wanted to play the Caro-Kann against everything, but after very thorough study I was forced to realize that it isn't possible.
  
  As for positional opening against `1.d4`, your best bet are the dull lines of the Queen's gambit declined. In every username_8 opening White *always* have a chance to sharpen the game ( always! ), but if you choose this path be ready for a long defense which will usually give you no more than a draw. Still, you will get the solidity and quietness you seek...
  
  If you need further help or clarifications leave a comment.
  
  Best regards.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_4**: I like this answer except for the weird bolding...  
  > **username_3**: @username_4: I know that this is my personal flaw, but I feel obliged to **clearly** point out the **most** relevant stuff so OP does not miss it... The bold part should instruct the reader to think thoroughly about its content or to memorize it. If you could suggest the better solution for this I would actually be very grateful since I do recognize this to be a flaw as I have stated earlier. Thank you for the constructive criticism ( and upvote? ). Best regards!  
  > **username_4**: I find that the bolding just makes it harder to read. Your post is already succinct and high quality, and I don't think the bolding adds anything and in fact detracts from it a little. Possible solution: just don't bold anything?  
  > **username_3**: @username_4: Removed bold font from this post...  
  > **username_0**: Thanks for your answer.  But I'm not sure that the QGD really is the number 1 most positional/slow/strategic/quiet/closed opening against 1. d4.  I just looked at ChessBase's statistiques after 1.d4 d5 2. c4 : a draw is more likely with 2... c6 than with 2... e6  
  > **username_0**: You said that the Slav was the opening which is the most similar to the Caro-Kann. So which Slav would you recommend me to play precisely? : the Slav Accepted (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4) and the Slow Slav (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5), the Slav Chebanenko (3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 and 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 a6 and 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 a6), the Semi-Slav (with ...c6 and ...e6), or something else? Which variation of the Slav is the most similar to the Caro-Kann? Which variation of the Slav is the most solid/positional/slow/strategic/quiet/closed ?  
  > **username_3**: @Petrosian: Those are 3 **different** Slav's you mentioned. Against `3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3` the move `...Bf5` is very strong. Against "normal" Slav move order `3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3` your best bet will be `...dxc4`. Then you will enter the setup with `c6 + e6` pawn structure and bishop on `f5`. You can play `Nf6 + Nbd7 + Be7` which is very similar to Caro-Kann. The problem is that even though your pawn structure and piece setup is practically the same as in Caro-Kann, White will have different piece setup and pawn structure. Also, White will have a chance to sharpen the game:  
  > **username_3**: `Ne5 + f3 + e4` is dangerous and leads to a **sharp** position in which **Black sacrifices bishop for 3 pawns.** This is highly theoretical, so say goodbye to slow positional play. With queen's gambit declined there is **practically nothing** White can do to sharpen the game unless you "allow it". The positions are positional and require smart planning and maneuvering. Think about it ( Chebanenko can be very sharp so I would dodge it )...  
  > **username_0**: Oh really? I was convinced that the Slav Chebanenko was solid, quiet and positional... I even wanted to buy the book "The Chebanenko Slav According to Bologan". It seemed to allow Black to develop his light squared Bishop, contrary to in the QGD when it is burried for the whole game... (the Slow Slav also allows this, but most of the time White plays Nh4 and gets the Bishop pair, something which I don't really like too much).  
  > **username_0**: The QGD isn't really turning me on, sorry. So if it's not asking you too much, what would you think are the 2nd and 3rd most solid, positional, slow, closed, strategic and quiet openings against 1.d4 ?  
  > **username_3**: @Petrosian: It is OK, QGD is indeed a pain to play ( too passive, no real winning chances... ). Every username_8 opening contains **at least one** sharp line, so it is really up to you to decide. I would try Slav defense or Semi-Slav ( *username_7 Vigorito-Play the Semi Slav, 2008* is a really good repertoire book ). These have the identical pawn structure ( `c6 + e6` pawns vs White `d4` pawn ) as Caro-Kann and offer good winning chances. They can become sharp, but this is "positional" sharpness, not the crazy tactical one. This is the best resemblance to Caro-Kann I can think of... Good luck!  
  > **username_3**: @Petrosian: As for Chebanenko, White can play `c5` at some point and you no longer have **typical** Caro-Kann type of pawn structure. There is also `...b5 b3` push where things become nasty... What I am trying to say is, in every username_8 opening ( except QGD ) you have to count on White sharpening the game, but you stated in your post that you wish to avoid this.  
  > **username_0**: Okay, I bought: *Avrukh - The classical Slav*, *Flear - The ...a6 Slav* and *Bologan - The Chebanenko Slav According to Bologan*. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions my friend =)  
  > **username_3**: @Petrosian: Thank you for officially accepting the answers. I hope that they have genuinely helped you. If you have problems or you need further help, just leave me a comment. Good luck and best regards.  
  > **username_5**: probably he will end up with a combination of QGD/Slav anyway, it is impossible to ignore transpositions after some point  
  > **username_3**: @username_5: He can play Classical defense or Tartakower, thus avoiding the Slav and Semi-Slav... Some lines are similar in both Slav/Semi-Slav and QGD but those are positional and the gameplay for Black is nearly the same...  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2019-10-22. Score: 2
  
  The semi-slav is the perfect compliment to the CK however it might be more tactical than what you want. The slav is good but drawish.
  
  I would recommend playing 1...c6 against everything and working out the transpositions. The Slav is probably fine for what you want but if that opening is too passive the semi-slav gives you a more aggressive game.
  
  If you don't like that, you have your choice of the QGD (1...d5), various Indian defenses (1...Nf6) or the flexible (1...e6)
  
  On a side note, the colle for white fits very well with the CK/Slav ideas as black. A rep of colle/slav/ck is pretty simple to learn and reaches similar positions from both sides. It's all built around the same pawn structures.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2019-10-23. Score: 1
  
  Some good ideas in the rest of the answers, but I'd like to add that if you like positions in the Panov attack, you should probably try the Queen's Gambit Declind, perhaps the Tarrasch variation. You'll get to plenty of isolated 'd' pawns from there, playing both with and against it.
  
  The Slav Defence appears to look like a Caro-Kann, but more often that not it looks nothing like it unless you allow your opponent to play **e4**, which is often not a good idea, as you'll probably have a worsened version of the classical Caro-Kann
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2015-09-19. Score: 1
  
  To try to minimize tactical complications early in your games against 1. d4 I would recommend you the Classical Slav, (but not the Semi-Slav), although very sharp and tactical positions may arise in every chess game!
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2019-10-23. Score: 1
  
  I agree with a previous answer that it's hard, and maybe pointless, to seek a similar defense to the Caro Kann when facing 1.d4.
  
  But for your username_8 requirements of positional solidity what about The Old Indian defense? <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Indian_Defense>
  The Old Indian is solid and respectable; it was played by Grandmasters such as Lothar Schmidt. In fact looking at his games now he played it a lot and described it as his "old friend." It's objectively fine; it's just lacks the hair raising tactics of the King's Indian.
  
  
  ---
  
  