ECO B10 · for White
Caro-Kann Defense: Two Knights 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.
1,814,370 games in this band reached the Two Knights Attack position. From there White won 50% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Nf3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4 Bd6 7. O-O O-O 8. d4 Bg4 9. h3 Bh5
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c6 2. Nc3 d5
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c6
Preparing d5
2. Nc3
Protecting the pawn with the knight because black will play d5. White can follow up with either Nf3 or exd5.
2... d5
Expanding in the center. This gives the option to take on e4 next and develop.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6
3. Nf3
Developing the knight and aiming to use the development edge to prove an advantage.
3... dxe4
Capturing the e4 pawn and relieving the central tension.
- 3... Bg4: Developing the bishop and pinning the knight, after which black may continue with e6 to solidify the center and develop normally afterward.
4. Nxe4
Recapturing the pawn and centralizing the knight.
4... Nf6
Attacking the e4 knight and offering to transpose into the Classical lines.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4 Bd6
5. Nxf6+
Exchanging knights and doubling Black's pawns. White will play for a long term advantage and a potential kingside attack. While Black will go for the queenside.
- 5. Qe2: Defending the knight with the queen, and preventing Black from playing Nbd7 due to Nd6#.
5... exf6
Capturing on f6 while opening up the dark-squared bishop. Black has doubled pawns but is able to play very actively.
6. Bc4
6... Bd6
Moves 7 to 8
7. O-O O-O 8. d4 Bg4
7. O-O
7... O-O
8. d4
8... Bg4
Move 9
9. h3 Bh5
9. h3
9... Bh5
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 kingside rook typically develops to e1
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to e3
- The bishop on c4 can move to e2 or d3
- The queen usually develops to d3
- Common pawn moves are c3 and g4
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