Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack (B18)

The Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B18. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. f4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six 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.

Related Caro-Kann Defense lines

• Karpov Variation, Smyslov Variation, Main Line
• Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack
• Classical Variation, Flohr Variation
• Classical Variation, Main Line
• Martian Gambit
• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, Lobron System
• Classical Variation, Seirawan Variation
• Breyer Variation, Stein Attack
• Endgame Variation
• Advance Variation, Van der Wiel Attack
• Advance, Short Variation

See all 38 Caro-Kann Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack?

The Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. f4. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B18.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack?

The Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack is ECO B18. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. f4 at +0.03 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.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation, Maróczy Attack lead to?

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