ECO B13 · for White
Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack
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.
1,272,690 games in this band reached the Panov Attack position. From there White won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Bb4 7. Bd2 O-O
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. c4 Nf6
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. c4
Challenging the d5 pawn, while aiming to play an isolated queens pawn position.
4... Nf6
Developing the knight and protecting the d5 pawn.
- 4... Nc6: Developing the knight and challenging White’s center.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Bb4
5. Nc3
Developing the knight and pressuring the d-pawn. White is aiming for an isolated queens pawn position.
5... e6
Advancing the e-pawn so that after cxd5 black can recapture with the pawn. The dark squared bishop will also be well placed on b4.
- 5... Nc6: Developing the knight and pressuring what will be the isolated pawn.
6. Nf3
Developing the knight while supporting the center and remaining flexible.
6... Bb4
Developing the bishop while pinning the c3 knight and preparing to castle.
Move 7
7. Bd2 O-O
7. Bd2
7... O-O
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 pawn on c4 generally captures the pawn on d5
- The bishop on d2 usually recaptures the bishop on c3
- The light-squared bishop often develops to d3
- The knight on f3 often moves to e5
- Common pawn moves are a3 and c5
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