The IQP Position is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, catalogued as ECO B14. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Be7 7. cxd5 Nxd5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. White’s d-file pawn is isolated; the c-file file is fully open.
On the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack generally: White transforms the Caro-Kann into an isolated queen's pawn position with c4. A dynamic approach that creates open piece play.
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 IQP Position goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Be7 7. cxd5 Nxd5. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack and is catalogued as ECO B14.
The IQP Position is ECO B14. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Be7 7. cxd5 Nxd5 at +0.29 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. White’s d-file pawn is isolated; the c-file file is fully open.