The Karpov Variation, Modern Main Line is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B17. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ngf6 6. Bd3 e6 7. N1f3 Bd6 8. Qe2 h6 9. Ne4 Nxe4 10. Qxe4, reaching the position shown below after 19 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after ten 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.
See all 38 Caro-Kann Defense variations →
The Karpov Variation, Modern Main Line goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ngf6 6. Bd3 e6 7. N1f3 Bd6 8. Qe2 h6 9. Ne4 Nxe4 10. Qxe4. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B17.
The Karpov Variation, Modern Main Line is ECO B17. 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. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Ng5 Ngf6 6. Bd3 e6 7. N1f3 Bd6 8. Qe2 h6 9. Ne4 Nxe4 10. Qxe4 at +0.55 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.