Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5

ECO B17

The Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern 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 Nd7 5.Ng5.

It is catalogued under code B17 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Ng5 is chosen by White on move 5.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Ivanchuk Defense and the Kasparov Attack.

Named variations

• Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Ivanchuk Defense — ECO B17
• Caro-Kann Defense: Karpov Variation, Modern Variation, Kasparov Attack — ECO B17

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.