Caro-Kann Defense: Finnish Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
45,780 games: White 51.3% / Draw 6.1% / Black 42.6%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 27,87328K | ||
| 5,8665,866 | ||
| 2,1992,199 | ||
| 2,1022,102 | ||
| 1,6911,691 | ||
| 1,0271,027 | ||
| 1,0001,000 | ||
| 870870 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.61 White is slightly better
Best play: 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. h3 Bf5 7. Ng3 Bh7 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. Qxd3 e6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Caro-Kann Defense: Finnish Variation (ECO B16, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense: Main Line, reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 h6 (4 moves).
In 45,780 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 51.3%, Black 42.6% and 6.1% were drawn. White's most played move here is 5. Nf3, in 61% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Caro-Kann Defense: Finnish Variation
The most played answer, 5. Nf3, also scores best for White: 54.6%, with White winning 51.3% and Black 42.1% of 28K games. Of the main answers, 5. Bc4 scores lowest: 54.5%. Stockfish's first choice is also 5. Nf3.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Caro-Kann Defense: Finnish Variation (B16)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/caro-kann-defense-finnish-variation