ECO B18 · for Black
Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,699,013 games in this band reached the Classical Variation position. From there Black won 45% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. Nf3 Nd7 7. Bd3 Bxd3 8. Qxd3 Ngf6 9. O-O e6 10. Bg5
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c6
Preparing d5
2. d4
Achieving a powerful center, and controlling many central squares.
2... d5
Challenging the center immediately, aiming to undermine White's control of the e4 square.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5
3. Nc3
Developing the knight to c3 is preparing to support the e4 pawn and control the center. It also allows for quick development of the other pieces.
3... dxe4
Capturing the pawn, likely followed up by Nf6 or Bf5 to develop.
4. Nxe4
Recapturing the pawn with both a slight development and space advantage.
4... Bf5
Developing the bishop while attacking the knight.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Ng3 Bg6 6. Nf3 Nd7
5. Ng3
Retreating the knight and counter-attacking the bishop.
5... Bg6
Retreating the bishop in order to avoid the threat of Nxf5.
6. Nf3
Developing a piece, adding another defender to d4 and preparing to jump into e5 if allowed.
- 6. h4: Threatening to trap the bishop with h5.
6... Nd7
Developing the knight and supporting a later break in the center with either e5 or c5.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bd3 Bxd3 8. Qxd3 Ngf6
7. Bd3
- 7. h4: Gaining space on the kingside and threatening to trap Black’s bishop with h5.
7... Bxd3
8. Qxd3
8... Ngf6
Moves 9 to 10
9. O-O e6 10. Bg5
9. O-O
9... e6
10. Bg5
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles kingside
- The knight on d7 generally recaptures the bishop on f6
- The dark-squared bishop usually develops to e7
- The queen often develops to c7
- The kingside rook can develop to e8 or d8
- A common pawn move is h6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black