Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack (B17)

The Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack 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. Bc4 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White 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.

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Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack — position after Nxf6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Bc4 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3Nd2dxe4
4Nxe4Nd7
5Bc4Ngf6
6Nxf6+Nxf6

ECO: B17

Stockfish: +0.35 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack?

The Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Bc4 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B17.

What is the ECO code for the Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack?

The Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack is ECO B17. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Bc4 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 at +0.35 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 Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack lead to?

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