Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
142,171 games: White 55.1% / Draw 3.9% / Black 41.0%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 63,78364K | ||
| 49,13649K | ||
| 19,77520K | ||
| 3,0823,082 | ||
| 2,9802,980 | ||
| 1,1491,149 | ||
| 575575 | ||
| 322322 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.01 White is better
Best play: 3. e5 Nd5 4. f4 g6 5. Nf3 d6 6. c4 Nc7 7. Nc3 Bg7
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation (ECO B12, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 Nf6 (2 moves).
In 142,171 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 55.1%, Black 41.0% and 3.9% were drawn. White's most played move here is 3. e5, in 45% 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: Masi Variation
The most played answer, 3. e5, also scores best for White: 58.3%, with White winning 56.3% and Black 39.8% of 64K games. Of the main answers, 3. Nc3 scores lowest: 55.9%. Stockfish's first choice is also 3. e5.
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
Transpositions
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Caro-Kann Defense: Masi Variation (B12)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/caro-kann-defense-masi-variation