Chess Openings·Caro-Kann Defence, Main Variation

Semi-Open Game

Caro-Kann Defence, Main Variation

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4

Step through

7 / 7
  1. 1.
  3. 2.
  5. 3.
  7. 4.

Tap a move to jump to that position.

A sturdy set-up that waits for the opponent to overreach. Big pieces come off early and the game heads for an endgame. Of the four central squares, pawns stand on d4. 2 pieces have left the board. Neither side has castled yet.

The position

Length
7 moves
To move
Black
Legal replies
30
Minor pieces out
White 1 · Black 0
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/8/3PN3/8/PPP2PPP/R1BQKBNR b KQkq - 0 4

Move by move

Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.

  1. 1.e4White: Pawn e2→e4
  2. 1…c6Black: Pawn c7→c6
  3. 2.d4White: Pawn d2→d4
  4. 2…d5Black: Pawn d7→d5
  5. 3.Nc3White: Knight b1→c3
  6. 3…dxe4Black: Pawn d5→e4 (capture)
  7. 4.Nxe4White: Knight c3→e4 (capture)

Nearby lines

first 7 moves shared

Caro-Kann Defence, Classical Variation…Bf5Caro-Kann Defence, Karpov Variation…Nd7Caro-Kann Defence, Advance Variation…e5Caro-Kann Defence, Fantasy Variation…f3Caro-Kann Defence, Panov Attack…exd5 cxd5 c4Caro-Kann Defence, Exchange Variation…exd5 cxd5 Bd3

Common questions

Q. What are the moves of Caro-Kann Defence, Main Variation?

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4

Q. Which family does it belong to?

Semi-Open Game — 1.e4 met by anything other than 1…e5.

Q. Who is to move next?

After 7 moves it is Black to move.