Caro-Kann Defense: Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit (B12)

The Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B12. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Bd3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. e6, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five 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.

Caro-Kann Defense: Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit — position after e6 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Bd3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. e6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3Bd3Nf6
4e5Nfd7
5e6

ECO: B12

Stockfish: +1.48 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Caro-Kann Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit?

The Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Bd3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. e6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B12.

What is the ECO code for the Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit?

The Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit is ECO B12. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Bd3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. e6 at +1.48 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move.