The Main Line is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, catalogued as ECO B13. The line runs 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3, 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, 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.
See all 11 Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack variations →
The Main Line goes 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3. It is a variation of the Caro-Kann, Panov-Botvinnik Attack and is catalogued as ECO B13.
The Main Line is ECO B13. 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 at +0.11 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.
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.