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Instructions
Seize control of the center with 2) d4. While there are a few lines of play that involve white making a different second move, the majority of studied lines do not deviate from this natural development. Black will almost certainly reply with 2) . . . d5. (If he replies with something different there is a very good chance that he has not studied the opening and you are already at an advantage.) You have a choice in how to proceed, but the main line of play is to follow up with 3) Nc3 d x e4 4) N x e4. This is the main line for a reason. 3) Nc3 is a very strong developing move, and the subsequent pawn exchange is essentially forced.
Be ready for 4) . . . Bf5. This is black's oldest and most aggressive response. You should play 5) G3. Here your knight moves to threaten the bishop that threatened him. Black's bishop usually flees to g6 and is then driven to f7 after you advance your h pawn. A less obvious fourth move by black is 4) . . . Nd7. 5) Nf3 or 5) Bc4 are both considered viable, sound replies to this, though Nf3 is simpler and involves fewer variations. Black may also play 4) . . . Nf6, in which case you should play 5) N x f6. With careful play, white should obtain an advantage in this line.
Study the major lines of the Caro-Kann so that you will be familiar with the variations. You should also be at least passingly familiar with the French Defense, as this opening frequently transposes to the French defense. If you suspect that your opponent is very familiar with the main line of the Caro-Kann and you want to be the one to throw it into unfamiliar territory, you might brush up on the two knights variation. Here you play 2) Nc3 instead of 2) d4. While this allows black a little more freedom, it is less likely that your opponent is as prepared for this line as he will be for the expected 2) d4.
Play aggressively. The advantage for black in this opening is that he is able to develop his pieces without creating any immediately exploitable weaknesses. White has the advantage of increased mobility in the opening. This advantage will wither away if white does not keep the pressure on. White should incorporate the standard dogma that the same piece shouldn't move twice in the opening, knights should be developed before bishops, and that opening development should focus on controlling the center. The importance of aggressive play by white is underscored by the fact that black tends to come out in a better endgame position than white in this opening, unless white successfully uses his small advantage in early mobility to secure some other small advantages by the time the endgame rolls around.
Be alert for opportunities to gain an advantage through a sacrifice. The white side of a Caro-Kann often presents potential for sacrifice combinations by white, if black is careless. Knights can be sacrificed for essential pawns, the follow-up attacks with heavy pieces more than compensating for the material loss. If black delays castling, opening up the center will often benefit white far more than black. Be familiar with the opening, play aggressively, and press your early advantage, and you should be able to beat the Caro-Kann.