Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense
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Statistics from Lichess
8,103 games: White 58.5% / Draw 3.7% / Black 37.9%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 4,0154,015 | ||
| 2,2962,296 | ||
| 1,1001,100 | ||
| 204204 | ||
| 200200 | ||
| 8080 | ||
| 7575 | ||
| 3131 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+2.92 White is clearly better
Best play: 3. exf5 Qa5+ 4. Nc3 d6 5. g4 h5 6. f3 Na6 7. Bd2 Qb6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Caro-Kann Defense: Massachusetts Defense (ECO B12, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 f5 (2 moves).
In 8,103 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 58.5%, Black 37.9% and 3.7% were drawn. White's most played move here is 3. exf5, in 50% 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: Massachusetts Defense
The most played answer, 3. exf5, also scores best for White: 64.1%, with White winning 62.1% and Black 33.9% of 4,015 games. Of the main answers, 3. e5 scores lowest: 55.1%. Stockfish's first choice is also 3. exf5.
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: Massachusetts Defense (B12)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/caro-kann-defense-massachusetts-defense