Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line (B13)

The Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, catalogued as ECO B13. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 Qb6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 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.

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, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line — position after Qb6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 Qb6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c6
2d4d5
3exd5cxd5
4c4Nf6
5Nc3Nc6
6Bg5Qb6

ECO: B13

Stockfish: +0.69 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, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line?

The Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 Qb6. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B13.

What is the ECO code for the Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line?

The Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line is ECO B13. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann Defense.

Is the Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 Qb6 at +0.69 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 Panov Attack, Modern Defense, Reifir-Spielmann Line 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 two minor pieces each. It is White to move.