Tree path 4 levels King's Pawn Game › Caro-Kann Defense › Caro-Kann Defense › Caro-Kann Defense
B12

Caro-Kann Defense

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Overview

Caro-Kann Defense is a named branch in the Semi-Open Games group of chess theory, classified under ECO B12.

The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.

It begins with 4 plies and takes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 to reach the canonical position.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Caro-Kann Defense, part of the broader King's Pawn Game system.

8 distinct sub-variations branch from this opening; prominent examples include Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation, Exchange Variation, and others.

Counted recursively, this branch covers 69 sub-variations at all depths.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.

ECO code
B12
Group
Semi-Open Games (B)
Plies
4
Parent
Caro-Kann Defense
Direct variations
8
Total in subtree
69

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

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Variations (8)

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