Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense (B14)

The Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B14. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6, reaching the position shown below after 10 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 White 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: Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense — position after g6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3exd5cxd5
4c4Nf6
5Nc3g6

ECO: B14

Stockfish: +0.34 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Caro-Kann Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense?

The Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B14.

What is the ECO code for the Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense?

The Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense is ECO B14. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 at +0.34 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 Panov Attack, Fianchetto Defense 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 White to move.