Chess opening · ECO B18
Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation
The Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation starts 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5. It ranks #159 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c6Black advances the c-pawn to c6.
- 2. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 2... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 3. Nd2White develops the queenside knight to d2.
- 3... dxe4Black takes the pawn on e4 with the d-pawn.
- 4. Nxe4White recaptures on e4 with the knight.
- 4... Bf5Black develops the light-squared bishop to f5. It now attacks the knight on e4.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Bd3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Ng3.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Bd3 100% | – | – |
| 1200–1399 | Ng3 47% | Bd3 23% | f3 20% |
| 1400–1599 | Ng3 66% | Bd3 12% | f3 10% |
| 1600–1799 | Ng3 83% | Bd3 4% | f3 4% |
| 1800–1999 | Ng3 94% | Bd3 2% | Nc3 2% |
| 2000 and up | Ng3 100% | – | – |
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