Tree path 4 levels King's Pawn Game › Caro-Kann Defense › Caro-Kann Defense › Massachusetts Defense
- Chess Codex
- King's Pawn Game B00
- Caro-Kann Defense B10
- Caro-Kann Defense B12
- Massachusetts Defense B12 you are here
Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense
Overview
Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense is a named branch in the Semi-Open Games group of chess theory, classified under ECO B12.
The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.
The line arises from 4 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 c6 2. d4 f5.
In the opening tree, this line branches off from Caro-Kann Defense, part of the broader King's Pawn Game system.
Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.
- ECO code
- B12
- Group
- Semi-Open Games (B)
- Plies
- 4
- Parent
- Caro-Kann Defense
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
8,103 games · White 58.5% / Draw 3.7% / Black 37.9%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| exf5 | 4,015 | |
| e5 | 2,296 | |
| Nc3 | 1,100 | |
| Bd3 | 204 | |
| f3 | 200 | |
| Qh5+ | 80 | |
| Nd2 | 75 | |
| Bc4 | 31 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:59:41
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