Exchange Variation, Carlsen Variation

The Carlsen Variation is a branch of the Exchange Variation in which Black first inserts 6...h6 7. Bh4 and then develops the light-squared bishop immediately with 7...Bg4. Because White has not yet played Nf3, the bishop strikes along the d1–h5 diagonal at the queen on d1, so White has to answer the threat before completing development. Black keeps the Carlsbad structure but seeks early piece activity instead of the slower schemes built on ...c6 and ...Nbd7.