Caro-Kann, Classical Variation: Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 (B18)

The Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Classical Variation, catalogued as ECO B18. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 e6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves.

On the Caro-Kann, Classical Variation generally: The most traditional Caro-Kann line. Black develops the bishop to f5 before playing ...e6, avoiding the 'bad bishop' problem.

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Caro-Kann, Classical Variation: Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 — position after e6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 e6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3Nc3dxe4
4Nxe4Bf5
5Ng3Bg6
6h4h6
7Nf3e6

ECO: B18

Stockfish: +0.48 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6?

The Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 e6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Classical Variation and is catalogued as ECO B18.

What is the ECO code for the Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6?

The Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 is ECO B18. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann, Classical Variation.

Is the Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 e6 at +0.48 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Main Line, 7.Nf3 e6 lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.