This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Caro-Kann: 4.Nxe4 Nf6
Moves: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nf6
Description: This variation of the Caro-Kann Defense arises after White recaptures the pawn on e4 with the knight, and Black immediately challenges it by developing the knight to f6. The move 4...Nf6 is characteristic because it puts direct pressure on White’s centralized knight on e4, encouraging White to decide how to maintain their central presence.
Characteristic: The key idea behind 4...Nf6 is active piece development combined with immediate counterattack on White’s knight, rather than a purely passive or defensive stance. Black aims to undermine White’s control of the center while quickly developing kingside pieces.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is somewhat counterattacking, as it challenges White’s knight and central control early on. For White, the position remains flexible, but White often seeks to maintain or increase central influence, so White’s approach is more positional and centralizing than outright attacking at this stage.
Center Control: Yes, this opening focuses on contesting the center. White initially occupies the center with pawns and knights, and Black’s moves aim to challenge and undermine that control in a solid and resilient manner.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Caro-Kann: 4.Nxe4 Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 56 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Caro-Kann: 4.Nxe4 Nf6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.