The Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense 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 dxc4 7. d5 Na5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White’s d-file pawn is isolated.
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.
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The Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 dxc4 7. d5 Na5. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense and is catalogued as ECO B13.
The Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense is ECO B13. 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. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 dxc4 7. d5 Na5 at +0.03 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White’s d-file pawn is isolated.