ECO B12 · for White
Caro-Kann Defense: Fantasy 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.
704,441 games in this band reached the Fantasy Variation position. From there White won 53% and drew 3%.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3 dxe4 4. fxe4 Nf6 5. e5 Nd5 6. c4 Nb6 7. Nf3 Bg4
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. f3 dxe4 4. fxe4 Nf6
3. f3
Advancing the pawn to f3 is a less common move, aiming to support the e4 pawn. However, it can potentially weaken White's kingside and slow down development.
3... dxe4
Capturing the pawn and weakening White's kingside once he recaptures.
- 3... e6: Strengthening the center and opening up the dark-squared bishop to develop.
4. fxe4
Recapturing in the center and gaining space. This is generally an aggressive opening.
4... Nf6
Developing the knight and attacking White's hanging e4 pawn.
- 4... e5: Breaking in the center in order to make use of White's exposed king. There are dark-squared weaknesses on the kingside which is why e5 is a strong move.
Moves 5 to 6
5. e5 Nd5 6. c4 Nb6
5. e5
5... Nd5
6. c4
6... Nb6
Move 7
7. Nf3 Bg4
7. Nf3
7... Bg4
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.
- White typically castles kingside
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to e3
- The queenside knight usually develops to c3
- The light-squared bishop can develop to e2 or d3
- Common pawn moves are a3 and h3
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