The Bronstein-Larsen Variation is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B16. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ gxf6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s h-file pawn is isolated.
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.
See all 38 Caro-Kann Defense variations →
The Bronstein-Larsen Variation goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ gxf6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B16.
The Bronstein-Larsen Variation is ECO B16. 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. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ gxf6 at +0.84 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s h-file pawn is isolated.