ECO B10 · for Black
Caro-Kann Defense
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.
48,303,543 games in this band reached the Caro-Kann Defense position. From there Black won 48% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nf3 e6 5. Bd3 Bxd3 6. Qxd3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. O-O Qb6
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. Nf3: Aiming for a development edge instead of a space advantage.
2... d5
Challenging the center immediately, aiming to undermine White's control of the e4 square.
Moves 3 to 4
3. e5 Bf5 4. Nf3 e6
3. e5
Advancing the pawn to e5 is aiming to control the center and limit the mobility of Black's knight on g8. However, it can potentially overextend White's position and create weaknesses.
- 3. exd5: Capturing the pawn on d5 is a common move in this position, leading to an open game. It allows White to develop the knight to c3 without blocking the c-pawn.
- 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... Bf5
Developing the light-squared bishop outside of the pawn chain before playing e6.
- 3... c5: Immediately pressuring the white center. Black will likely follow up with Nc6 to increase the pressure on the center.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight while supporting the central pawns.
- 4. Bd3: Developing the bishop and trying to trade off Black's active bishop.
4... e6
Supporting the center while opening up the dark squared bishop.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bd3 Bxd3 6. Qxd3 c5
5. Bd3
Developing the bishop and offering a trade of bishops to Black. White is also aiming to activate the queen and castle quickly.
- 5. Be2: Developing the bishop while preparing to castle.
5... Bxd3
Trading bishops and preparing to continue by developing and breaking with c5.
- 5... Ne7: Developing the knight and protecting the bishop on f5. If White captured then Black will recapture with the knight.
6. Qxd3
Recapturing the bishop and activating the queen.
6... c5
Breaking in the center and pressuring White's d4 pawn.
- 6... Nd7: Developing the knight and preparing to break in the center with c5.
Moves 7 to 8
7. c3 Nc6 8. O-O Qb6
7. c3
7... Nc6
8. O-O
8... Qb6
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.
- The pawn on c5 typically captures the pawn on d4
- The kingside knight often goes to f5, via e7
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to e7
- The queenside rook usually develops to c8
- The kingside knight often develops to h6
- A common pawn move is h5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Modern Defense for Black