Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO B17), reached after 8 half-moves: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7.

Black rook — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Black bishop — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Continue from this position

2 replies continue into sub-variations from this position. Click any to drill deeper.

5.Ng5 4 lines
- B17 Modern Variation +2
- B17 Modern Main Line
5.Bc4 3 lines
- B17 Smyslov Variation +1
- B17 Tiviakov-Fischer Attack

About this opening

Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code B17. 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 8 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7.

It belongs to the Caro-Kann Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Karpov Variation line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 c6, 2.d4 d5, 3.Nd2 dxe4, 4.Nxe4 Nd7. From this position 2 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.