ECO B17 · Caro-Kann Defense

Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ndf6

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

6. N1f3+0.66

White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense (B17), reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ndf6, Stockfish 18 recommends 6. N1f3 for White. White is slightly better (+0.66).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.666. N1f3 Bg4 7. Be2 Bxf3 8. Nxf3 e6 9. g3 Bd6 10. Bd3 Ne7
  2. +0.586. Bc4 e6 7. N1f3 h6 8. Nxf7 Kxf7 9. Ne5+ Ke8 10. Qd3 Ne7
  3. +0.466. Bd3 Bg4 7. f3 Bh5 8. Ne2 e6 9. O-O Bg6 10. Ne4 Nd7

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense?
After 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ndf6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 6. N1f3 for White, continuing Bg4 7. Be2 Bxf3 8. Nxf3 e6 9. g3 Bd6 10. Bd3 Ne7. White is slightly better (+0.66). The next best moves are 6. Bc4 (+0.58) and 6. Bd3 (+0.46).
Is the Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.66: 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: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense?
B17. 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+).