Library/Openings/Caro-Kann Defense/Classical Variation/Spassky Variation ECO B19
Opening· 15 plies

Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO B19), reached after 15 half-moves: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7 8. h5.

Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation ECO B19
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End of this line

No further variations branch from this position in our database. To explore neighbouring ideas:

About this opening

Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code B19. ECO group B (B00–B99) covers semi-open games (1.e4 with Black playing anything other than 1…e5), with the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann and Pirc/Modern at its heart. This particular variation is reached after 15 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7 8. h5.

It belongs to the Caro-Kann Defense family. Within that family this is a level-2 branch (the Classical Variation → Spassky Variation line). The immediate parent line is Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, transitioned via 8.h5.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 c6, 2.d4 d5, 3.Nd2 dxe4, 4.Nxe4 Bf5, 5.Ng3 Bg6, 6.h4 h6. From this position the encyclopaedia records no further canonical continuations — practical play branches into unnamed transpositions or returns to the parent line for alternative ideas.