Caro-Kann Defense: Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense
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Statistics from Lichess
1,981 games: White 45.0% / Draw 7.5% / Black 47.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 773773 | ||
| 693693 | ||
| 167167 | ||
| 146146 | ||
| 116116 | ||
| 5252 | ||
| 1010 | ||
| 99 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Nov 6, 2026
Engine evaluation
0.00 The position is about equal
Best play: 8. Nf3 a6 9. Qe2 h6 10. Bxf6 gxf6 11. g3 b5 12. Bg2 Bg7
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Caro-Kann Defense: Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense (ECO B13, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack, Modern Defense, reached after 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 dxc4 7. d5 Na5 (7 moves).
In 1,981 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 45.0%, Black 47.5% and 7.5% were drawn. White's most played move here is 8. Bxc4, in 39% 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: Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense
8. b4 scores best for White: 55.5%, with White winning 51.4% and Black 40.4% of 146 games. The most played, 8. Bxc4, scores 49.5% in 773 games, and 8. Bxf6 scores lowest: 41.8%. Stockfish's first choice is 8. 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: Panov-Botvinnik, Herzog Defense (B13)”. Lichess data as of 6 Nov 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/caro-kann-defense-panov-botvinnik-herzog-defense