Karpov Variation, Smyslov Variation
- 1.e4c6
- 2.d4d5
- 3.Nd2dxe4
- 4.Nxe4Nd7
- 5.Bc4Ngf6
- 6.Ng5e6
- 7.Qe2Nb6
309 games
A Caro-Kann Karpov Variation line in which Black answers 5. Bc4, 6. Ng5 and 7. Qe2 with 7...Nb6, hitting the bishop in a roughly balanced position.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Smyslov Variation
The Smyslov Variation arises when Black meets White's 5. Bc4 and 6. Ng5 with 6...e6, then answers 7. Qe2 with 7...Nb6. The knight attacks the c4-bishop with tempo and clears d7, opening a path for the c8-bishop. White usually retreats with 8. Bb3, the main line, or 8. Bd3; the rare 8. c3 has scored poorly. Engines judge the position roughly balanced, and the line is seldom seen.