Chess opening · ECO B12

Caro-Kann Defense: Maróczy Variation

The Caro-Kann Defense: Maróczy Variation starts 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3. It ranks #147 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3. Black to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... c6Black advances the c-pawn to c6.
  3. 2. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
  4. 2... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
  5. 3. f3White advances the f-pawn to f3.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. dxe4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
1200–1399dxe4 55%e6 45%–
1400–1599dxe4 59%e6 30%Nf6 11%
1600–1799dxe4 63%e6 30%Nf6 7%
1800–1999dxe4 56%e6 23%Nf6 10%
2000 and updxe4 56%e6 35%g6 9%

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