Exchange Variation
Caro-Kann Defence · B13 · you play Black. 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6
About the Exchange Variation
The Exchange Variation gives a symmetrical pawn structure where White usually plays Bd3 and c3. Black develops with ...Nc6, ...Nf6 and ...Bg4, uses the open c-file and can start a minority attack with ...b5–b4. It is a quiet but far from dead position.
As Black you reach the Exchange Variation after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6. It belongs to the Caro-Kann Defence (B13), which has 5 lines on this site. Learn the Exchange Variation move by move, then play it against the computer until the book moves come automatically. Below the board you find middlegame plans for the Exchange Variation, common endgames and games by strong players, so you know what to do once the theory ends. Use it to build your Black repertoire, and test what you remember with speed training or the random-position drill.