ECO B13 · for White
Caro-Kann Defense: Exchange 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.
6,204,494 games in this band reached the Exchange Variation position. From there White won 48% and drew 5%.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 Bg4 6. O-O e6 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3
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. exd5 cxd5 4. Nf3 Nc6
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... cxd5
Recapturing towards the center which results in black having an extra central pawn.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight while supporting the center and controlling the e5 square.
- 4. Nc3: Developing the knight and pressuring the d-pawn.
- 4. c4: Challenging the d5 pawn, while aiming to play an isolated queens pawn position.
- 4. Bd3: Placing got bishop on d3 where it targets h7, possibly discouraging black from castling and preventing the move Bf5.
4... Nc6
Developing the knight. Maybe trying to challenge the center with g6 and Bg7 later.
- 4... Bg4: Developing the bishop while pinning the f3 knight and threatening to double white's pawns.
- 4... Nf6: Developing the knight and copying white while remaining very solid.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bb5 Bg4 6. O-O e6
5. Bb5
Developing the bishop and pinning the knight on c6. White often plays Ne5 in order to utilize the pin.
- 5. Nc3: Developing the knight and pressuring Back's d5 pawn.
- 5. Bd3: Developing the bishop and preparing to castle kingside next.
5... Bg4
Developing the light-squared bishop and pinning the knight.
- 5... Nf6: Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center.
6. O-O
6... e6
Moves 7 to 8
7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3
7. h3
7... Bxf3
8. Qxf3
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The bishop on b5 typically captures the knight on c6
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to g5
- The queenside knight can develop to d2 or c3
- The bishop on b5 often moves to d3
- Common pawn moves are c3 and c4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White