B15

Caro-Kann Defense

Key moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4

The main line of the Caro-Kann where Black captures and White recaptures with the knight. The Classical (4...Bf5), Modern (4...Nd7), and Korchnoi (4...Nf6) are the main branches, each offering distinct strategic themes.

History & Notable Players

The Classical variation with 4...Bf5 was Karpov's signature weapon. The Modern with 4...Nd7 became popular in the 21st century.

Best Games

Dominguez Perez,L vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Duda,J vs Carlsen,M1-0
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Ruan Lufei1-0
WCh Women Playoff • 2010★ Notable
Leko,P vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Morozevich, Alexander vs Iordachescu, Viorel1-0
Wch U20 • 1997★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Leko, Peter1/2-1/2
Tilburg Fontys • 1996★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
Tilburg rapid20 • 1994★ Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Shirov, Alexei0-1
Linares • 1994★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Blatny, Pavel1-0
Wch U20 • 1987★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Larsen, Bent1-0
Tilburg • 1979★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
Tilburg • 1979★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kortschnoj, Viktor1/2-1/2
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Duda,J vs Gukesh,D1-0
World Blitz 2025 • 2025
Anand,V vs Gukesh,D1-0
TechM GCL 3rd-4th 2025 • 2025
Gukesh,D vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Titled Tue 18th Mar Early • 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 18th Mar Early • 2025
Shirov,A vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Titled Tue 28th Jan Early • 2025
Le,Quang Liem vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Titled Tue 26th Nov Early • 2024
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
World Blitz 2023 • 2023
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Rapport,R1-0
World Blitz 2023 • 2023

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