Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 6.h4 h6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.h5

ECO B19

The Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation is a chess opening line in the Caro-Kann Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 6.h4 h6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.h5.

It is catalogued under code B19 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move h5 is chosen by White on move 8.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Caro-Kann Defense course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.