Chess opening · ECO B13
Caro-Kann Defense: Exchange Variation
The Caro-Kann Defense: Exchange Variation starts 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5. It ranks #102 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. exd5White takes the pawn on d5 with the e-pawn.
At the end of the line White is a pawn up. Black can take back on d5 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. cxd5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | cxd5 89% | Qxd5 11% | – |
| 1200–1399 | cxd5 94% | Qxd5 6% | – |
| 1400–1599 | cxd5 95% | Qxd5 4% | Nf6 1% |
| 1600–1799 | cxd5 96% | Qxd5 3% | Nf6 1% |
| 1800–1999 | cxd5 97% | Qxd5 3% | – |
| 2000 and up | cxd5 100% | – | – |
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