The Endgame Variation is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B10. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. d3 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves. The d-file file is fully open.
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 Endgame Variation goes 1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. d3 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B10.
The Endgame Variation is ECO B10. 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. Nf3 d5 3. d3 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1 at +0.09 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move. The d-file file is fully open.