Karpov Variation, Smyslov Variation, Main Line
- 1.e4c6
- 2.d4d5
- 3.Nd2dxe4
- 4.Nxe4Nd7
- 5.Bc4Ngf6
- 6.Ng5e6
- 7.Qe2Nb6
- 8.Bb3
178 games
Main line of the Smyslov Variation of the Caro-Kann Karpov line, where White retreats 8. Bb3; a rare, roughly balanced position with Black to move.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Main Line
In the main line of the Smyslov Variation, White answers the knight's attack with 8. Bb3. The bishop stays on the a2–g8 diagonal, where it combines with the g5-knight against e6. Black most often replies 8...h6, challenging the knight at once, and this move has scored well for Black in the available games. The main alternatives are 8...Be7, after which White has fared better, and 8...Bd6. Engines rate the position as balanced.