ECO B12 · Caro-Kann Defense

Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense

1. e4 c6 2. d4 f5

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

3. exf5+1.80

White is winning. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense (B12), reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 f5, Stockfish 18 recommends 3. exf5 for White. White is winning (+1.80).

Top engine moves

  1. +1.803. exf5 Qa5+ 4. Nc3 d6 5. g4 h5 6. f3 e5 7. Qe2 Be7
  2. +1.193. Nc3 d5 4. e5 e6 5. Be3 Bb4 6. Bd2 a6 7. Na4 Bxd2+
  3. +1.093. e5 d6 4. Qe2 e6 5. Nc3 Qb6 6. g4 dxe5 7. gxf5 exf5

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense?
After 1. e4 c6 2. d4 f5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 3. exf5 for White, continuing Qa5+ 4. Nc3 d6 5. g4 h5 6. f3 e5 7. Qe2 Be7. White is winning (+1.80). The next best moves are 3. Nc3 (+1.19) and 3. e5 (+1.09).
Is the Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +1.80: White is winning. That is a large edge for an opening position, so check the engine lines before playing it from the other side.
What is the ECO code of the Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense?
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+).