The Advance Variation, Van der Wiel Attack is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B12. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nc3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. Nge2 c5 7. h4, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.
On the Caro-Kann Defense generally: A solid defense to 1.e4 that leads to sound pawn structures. Popular at all levels.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
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The Advance Variation, Van der Wiel Attack goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nc3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. Nge2 c5 7. h4. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B12.
The Advance Variation, Van der Wiel Attack is ECO B12. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nc3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. Nge2 c5 7. h4 at +0.22 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.