ECO B10 · Caro-Kann Defense

Caro-Kann Defense

1. e4 c6

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White to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

2. d4+0.38

White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Caro-Kann Defense (B10), reached after 1. e4 c6, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. d4 for White. White is slightly better (+0.38).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.382. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. c3 Bd6
  2. +0.382. Nc3 d5 3. d4 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. c3 Bd6
  3. +0.272. c3 d5 3. e5 c5 4. d4 Nc6 5. Bb5 cxd4 6. cxd4 Bf5

Other move orders

  • 1. e4 c6 2. Nc3
  • 1. e4 c6 2. d4
  • 1. e4 c6 2. Nc3 d5
  • 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5
  • 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3
  • 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4

All Caro-Kann Defense variations (91)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Caro-Kann Defense?
After 1. e4 c6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. d4 for White, continuing d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. c3 Bd6. White is slightly better (+0.38). The next best moves are 2. Nc3 (+0.38) and 2. c3 (+0.27).
Is the Caro-Kann Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.38: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Caro-Kann Defense?
B10. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; B is the volume for semi-open games (other than the French).

Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).