Caro-Kann Defense: Forgacs Variation (B15)

The Forgacs Variation is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B15. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; the e-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.

Caro-Kann Defense: Forgacs Variation — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3Nc3dxe4
4Nxe4Nf6
5Nxf6+exf6
6Bc4

ECO: B15

Stockfish: +0.32 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Caro-Kann Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Forgacs Variation?

The Forgacs Variation goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B15.

What is the ECO code for the Forgacs Variation?

The Forgacs Variation is ECO B15. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Forgacs Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6 5. Nxf6+ exf6 6. Bc4 at +0.32 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 Forgacs Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; the e-file file is fully open.