ECO B12 · Caro-Kann Defense

Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation

1. e4 c6 2. d4 Nf6

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

3. e5+0.97

White is clearly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation (B12), reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 recommends 3. e5 for White. White is clearly better (+0.97).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.973. e5 Nd5 4. c4 Nc7 5. Nc3 d6 6. f4 g6 7. Nf3 Bg7
  2. +0.713. Nc3 g6 4. e5 Nd5 5. Nxd5 cxd5 6. f4 d6 7. Bd3 Bg7
  3. +0.593. Nd2 d6 4. Ngf3 g6 5. Bd3 Bg7 6. O-O O-O 7. Re1 Qc7

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation?
After 1. e4 c6 2. d4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 3. e5 for White, continuing Nd5 4. c4 Nc7 5. Nc3 d6 6. f4 g6 7. Nf3 Bg7. White is clearly better (+0.97). The next best moves are 3. Nc3 (+0.71) and 3. Nd2 (+0.59).
Is the Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.97: white is clearly 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: Masi Variation?
B12. 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+).