3.Nf3, transposing into a normal Sicilian Defence, and 3.c3, transposing into a line of the Alapin Sicilian (usually arrived at after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.d4) are also common. Exchange Variation, games 52-56 6. Nc3, defending the e4 pawn and maintaining the tension (The Main Line) The flexible 3. In most lines of the French Defense, White wants to gain a spatial advantage and lock in Black’s light-squared Bishop with the move e4-e5. Also, 4...Qb6 5.Nf3 Bd7 intending 6...Bb5 to trade off the "bad" queen's bishop is possible. White can continue with the following options: White threatens 5.e5, attacking the pinned knight. In these lines, White has the option of playing either Qd2 and 0-0-0, or Be2 and 0-0, with the former typically leading to sharper positions due to opposite-side castling when Black castles kingside in both cases. The Sicilian defense (1. e4, c5) is black's most popular response to e4, especially … If implemented successfully, this will further restrict Black's pieces. It has the reputation of giving immediate equality to Black, due to the symmetrical pawn structure. For this reason, Black should develop his light-squared Bishop as soon as possible, and preferably to an active square - the ideal one is g4, from where it pins the Knight on f3 and hinders White’s development. For a long time, it was the third most popular reply to 1.e4, behind only 1...c5 and 1...e5. In order to force Black to make a decision, one of White’s plans is to expand on the Queenside with a3-b4, challenging the pawn on c5 to either take or advance. White has freer development and more space in the centre, which Black intends to neutralise by playing ...c7–c5 at some point. Complete Guide To Pawn Structures. Black has three main options, 3...Bb4 (the Winawer Variation), 3...Nf6 (the Classical Variation), and 3...dxe4 (the Rubinstein Variation). Like 3.Nc3, 3.Nd2 protects e4, but is different in several key respects: it does not block White's c-pawn from advancing, which means he can play c3 at some point to support his d4-pawn. The French Defense is a sharp counterattacking weapon against white’s King Pawn opening. French Defense Exchange variation - Qh5? The database can be searched via many criteria, including chess players, chess opening, player ratings, game result, and the year the chess game was played. Again, as in most lines of the French Defense, a good idea for White is always to close the center and gain space with the move e4-e5. French Defence: Beating the Exchange Variation Compiled by BntLarsen. Chess Database Usage. Nf3 is a natural developing move, and White usually follows it up by developing the king's bishop to d3 or e2 (occasionally to b5) and castling kingside. French Defense, Exchange Variation In chess , an exchange variation is a type of opening in which there is an early, voluntary exchange of pawns or pieces. This might seem like a slow plan, but it is highly effective. Nxe4, Black has the following options: One rare sideline after 3.Nc3 is 3...c6, which is known as the Paulsen Variation, after Louis Paulsen. French, Winawer (1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e5 c5 5 a3 Bxc3+ 6 bxc3) : chess opening performance statistics, strategy and tactics, famous games, PGN download, discussion forum, and more. Combined with the bishop pair, this gives White attacking chances, which he must attempt to use as the long-term features of this pawn structure favour Black. Black blocks in their light-squared bishop, but gains a solid pawn chain and counter-attacking possibilities. Rubinstein Variation after 3...dxe4 4.Nxe4, Advance Variation after 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3, Although many sources refer to John Lindsay McCutcheon and his. There are several important lines where this can happen. 4.Bd3 c5, as in the above-cited Tatai–Korchnoi game. Black can also gain attacking chances in most lines: against 7.Qg4, Black will attack White's king in the center; whereas against the other lines, Black can often gain an attack with ...0-0-0, normally combined with ...c4 to close the queenside, and then ...f6 to open up the kingside, where White's king often resides. Hence, White will typically have to spend an extra tempo moving the knight from d2 at some point before developing said bishop. Bb2 dxe4. In the Winawer French, Black immediately pins the Nc3 with the dark-squared bishop, putting additional pressure on e4. Black's position is often somewhat cramped in the early game; in particular, the pawn on e6 can impede the development of the bishop on c8. Questions (FAQ), The 2.d3 has been used by many leading players over the years, including GMs Pal Benko, Bobby Fischer and Lev Psakhis. Qg4, giving Black two choices: he may sacrifice his kingside pawns with 7...Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 but destroy White's centre in return, the so-called "Poisoned Pawn Variation"; or he can play 7...0-0 8.Bd3 Nbc6, which avoids giving up material, but leaves the king on the flank where White is trying to attack. An often-cited example of the potential weakness of this bishop is S. Tarrasch–R. ), Frequently Asked Alternatively or simultaneously, Black will play against White's centre, which is cramping his position. In the main line of the French Defense, White protects the pawn on e4 by moving the Knight to c3. The Tarrasch Variation appears on the board after the following moves: The Tarrasch Variation is solid, yet ambitious. (if white plays Nf3, f4 will come much slower) 5...Qb6 6.Nf3 Nh6! You can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move. 1. e4 e6. White makes no effort to exploit the advantage of the first move, and has often chosen this line with expectation of an early draw, and indeed draws often occur if neither side breaks the symmetry. This leads to heavily theoretical lines, whether Black plays Bb4 (Winawer Variation) or Nf6 (Classical Variation). The Exchange Variation appears on the board after the following moves. As in most lines of the French Defense, Black’s idea is to counter-attack in the center with c5. This plan also gains space on the Queenside and creates room for the dark-squared Bishop to come to b2. In order to break the symmetry and play for a win, White must try to put pressure on Black’s central pawn on d5. The Winawer is the most dynamic system in the French Defense. If you have any future requests please let me know and I will do a video on it. This can happen with the joint forces of the Knight, which goes to c6, and the Queen, which stands well on b6. For this reason, it is perfect to avoid heavy theory or tactical intricacies, and many strategic players choose it as their main weapon to face the French Defense. (Instead 7.Nce2 transposes to the Shirov–Anand Variation, while 7.Be2? The main difference between 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 is that White cannot play c2-c3 anymore, which justifies the move 3...Bb4. Jonathan Schrantz teaches a French variation of which many players aren't aware. Be3. Thus, many players choose to play the exchange so that the position becomes simple and clearcut. 3. 6.Be2 is the other alternative, aiming simply to castle. In these notes I will give a quick run-down on the main variations of the French, and give an example line for each variation so you can get some idea of how to play for each side. White wants to break Black’s pawn structure apart. The positions are so symmetrical that the options and strategies are the same for both sides. The pin can be very annoying for White, and eventually Black may take the Knight on c3 and play against the doubled pawns on c2 and c3. French is played by chess players of all levels, including the most elite GMs. Nc3 is the most commonly seen line against the French. Codes C00 to C19 are the French Defence, broken up in the following way (all apart from C00 start with the moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5): Position after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.Bxe7 Qxe7 7.f4 0-0 8.Nf3 c5 9.Bd3, Winawer Variation after 3...Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3. White wants to gain space in the center and fix Black’s pawn structure in light squares, which will lock in Black’s Bishop on c8. after having bishop pair white will take initiative on king side. World Champions Vasily Smyslov and Bobby Fischer both used this line with success. The French Defense meets 1.e4 with 1...e6, preparing to counter the e4 pawn with 2...d5. White may continue 3.d5, when play can transpose into the Benoni, though White has extra options since c2–c4 is not mandated. Nf3 Nc6 7. The most popular line is: 4...Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 when Black is ready for ...c5. The most effective way of doing so is by advancing c7-c5, creating tension in White’s d4 pawn. This line often continues 7... Bd7 8. 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Qe2+ Be7 7.dxc5 Nf6 8.h3 0-0 9.0-0 Bxc5 10.c3 Re8 11.Qc2 Qd6 12.Nbd2 Qg3 13.Bf5 Re2 14.Nd4 Nxd4 0–1. French Defence: Steinitz, Classical and Other Variations On the other hand, 3.Nd2 develops the knight to an arguably less active square than 3.Nc3, and in addition, it hems in White's dark-square bishop. Once again, a common Black response is 6...Nh6 intending 7...cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 attacking d4. T W Barnes vs Staunton, 1856 ... (C00) French Defense, 48 moves, 0-1. It is an ambitious and aggressive variation, and, although it is not as popular as the Main Line and Tarrasch Variation, it shares many of the same ideas. Also possible is 2...f5, the Franco-Hiva Gambit, but this is regarded as dubious. White has a spatial advantage on the kingside, where Black is even weaker than usual because he has traded off his dark-square bishop. This variation has a good reputation, and the positions it gives rise to are more often strategic than tactical and double-edged. 2.Bb5 has occasionally been tried. 3. Following the opening moves 1.e4 e6, the game usually continues 2.d4 d5 (see below for alternatives). 0-0 Qa5 11. Black’s counterplay on either wing (this depends on the specific variation) offers him an opportunity to unbalance the game and take white into a very sharp and double edged battle right from the very first moves. 6. After 1.e4 e6, almost 90 percent of all games continue 2.d4 d5, but White can try other ideas. Play may also lead back to the French; for example, 1.e4 e6 2.d4 c5 3.c3 d5 4.e5 transposes into the Advance Variation. The Tarrasch Variation is very popular - although it is not as aggressive as the main line 3.Nc3, it offers chances for White to get a small advantage with safe play. The author, German International Master Hannes Langrock, has produced a book with complete coverage of this line, along with solid recommendations for Black should White deviate on the second or third move. Sicilian Defense. French Defence: Steinitz, Classical and Other Variations [Psakhis, Lev] on Amazon.com. Note that 3.Bd3 allows 3...dxe4 4.Bxe4 Nf6, after which White must concede to Black either a tempo or the advantage of the two bishops. Nc3. Now White can exploit the absence of Black's dark-square bishop by playing 7. In the Exchange Variation, White goes for the most solid and quiet system against the French Defense. In the Exchange French, White solves the problem of the attack on e4 in the simplest way - by exchanging on d5. This pin can disturb White’s position, so White should play a3 to expel the Bishop from b4 - whether the Knight is taken and White is forced to ruin the structure but has the Bishop pair in return, or the Bishop drops back and the move a3 can be useful to support the advance b2-b4 later on. White’s pawn on e4 is attacked, and there are four ways to defend it, which correspond to each of the variations. The purpose behind 7. a4 is threefold: it prepares Bc1–a3, taking advantage of the absence of Black's dark-square bishop. Chief among them is 2...c5, the Franco-Benoni Defence, so-called because it features the ...c7–c5 push characteristic of the Benoni Defence. White's options include defending the e4-pawn with 3.Nc3 or 3.Nd2, exchanging it with 3.exd5, or advancing the pawn with 3.e5, each of which leads to different types of positions. For instance, 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.f4? White usually responds to this threat with 7.Bxh6 or 7.b3 preparing Bb2. The Main line of the French Defense appears on the board after the following moves: 3.Nc3 is the main move for White for a reason - it is a logical move, developing a piece and protecting the pawn on e4. This plan is especially strong against the main line as White cannot protect the pawn on d4 with c2-c3. The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings includes an alphanumeric classification system for openings that is widely used in chess literature. The French Defense is a solid but cunning opening, and it has been played by some of the greatest chess players in the world. Played in over 40% of all games after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, 3. The French Defense can be divided into four major variations. An example of this is the line 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Bd6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.0-0 Nge7 8.Re1 Qd7 9.Nbd2 0-0-0. This deck covers also theses openings: Caro-Kann Defense, Russian Defense, Goring Gambit, Scotch Game, Four Knights Defense, Italian Opening, Two Knights Defense, Colle System, Albin Counter Gambit, Slav Defense, Queen s Gambit Accepted, Neo-Grunfeld Defense and Grunfeld Defense Sometimes pushing the h-pawn to h5 or h6 may also be effective. [8], Despite the symmetrical pawn structure, White cannot force a draw. This is the natural breakthrough in Black’s position, and Black can either play it right away or wait for White to close the center with e5 first. The main line of the Advance Variation continues 3... c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. However, the Advance declined in popularity throughout most of the 20th century until it was revived in the 1980s by GM and prominent opening theoretician Evgeny Sveshnikov, who continues to be a leading expert in this line. White goes for a symmetrical structure right from the third move, which means that this variation leads to neutral positions. The Winawer Variation is one of the main lines in the French Defense for black and begins with the moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4. 2. b3. It also prevents Black from playing ...Qa5–a4 or ...Bd7–a4 attacking c2, and if Black plays ...b6 (followed by ...Ba6 to trade off the bad bishop), White may play a5 to attack the b6-pawn. Another rare sideline after 3.Nc3 is 3...Nc6, which was played by Aron Nimzowitsch. The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, although some lines such as the Winawer Variation can lead to sharp complications. Its assessment is unclear, but most likely Black would be considered "comfortable" here. FRENCH DEFENCE WINAWER VARIATION 4. Historically important contributors to the theory of the defence include Mikhail Botvinnik, Viktor Korchnoi, Akiba Rubinstein, Aron Nimzowitsch, Tigran Petrosian, Lev Psakhis, Wolfgang Uhlmann and Rafael Vaganian. This is another major system in the French. French :: exchange variation - but not quite. We will send all new cheat sheets as they are created to your email. This variation, named after Szymon Winawer and pioneered by Nimzowitsch and Botvinnik, is one of the main systems in the French, due chiefly to the latter's efforts in the 1940s, becoming the most often seen rejoinder to 3.Nc3, though in the 1980s, the Classical Variation with 3...Nf6 began a revival, and has since become more popular. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3, is the 4… a6 Chebanenko still good for Black? This often results in the bishop being traded, creating an imbalance of White's doubled pawns versus the two bishops advantage. Le Palamède edited by St. Amant (1846), p. 20. A long-term plan is to push f4-f5 in order to break apart Black’s solid central pawn structure and eventually start a Kingside attack. Notably, C00 – 1.e4 e6 without 2.d4, or 2.d4 without 2...d5 (early deviations), C01 – 2.d4 d5 (includes the Exchange Variation, 3.exd5), C03 – 3.Nd2 (includes 3...Be7; C03–C09 cover the Tarrasch Variation), C10 – 3.Nc3 (includes the Rubinstein Variation, 3...dxe4), C11 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 (includes the Steinitz Variation, 4.e5; C11–C14 cover the Classical Variation), C12 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 (includes the McCutcheon Variation, 4...Bb4), C13 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 (Burn Variation), C15 – 3.Nc3 Bb4 (C15–C19 cover the Winawer Variation), C18 – 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 (includes the Armenian Variation, 5...Ba5), C19 – 3.Nc3 Bb4 4 e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 and 7.a4, This page was last edited on 26 December 2020, at 06:42. One of the drawbacks of the French Defence for Black is his queen's bishop, which is blocked in by his pawn on e6 and can remain passive throughout the game. It shares many plans with the main line (3.Nc3), although one of the main differences is that 3...Bb4 is not good for Black in the Tarrasch, because White can simply attack the Bishop with 4.c3. Black has several ways to combat this setup: 3...c5 followed by ...Nc6, ...Bd6, ...Nf6 or ...Nge7 and ...0-0 is common, 3...Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 plans ...dxe4 and ...e5 to block in the Bg2, and 3...Nf6 4.Ngf3 b6 makes ...Ba6 possible if White's light-square bishop leaves the a6–f1 diagonal. Although 2...d5 is the most consistent move after 1.e4 e6 2.d4, Black occasionally plays other moves. Together with the c7-c5 breakthrough, Black wants to put as much pressure as possible on White’s center. White’s pawn on e4 is attacked, and there are four ways to defend it, which correspond to each of the variations. This video is for beginner-intermediate players 1000-1800 USCF. 9.fxe5 Qh4+ wins a pawn for Black.) Black's position is passive because his light-square bishop is hemmed in by pawns on a6, b5, d5, e6 and f7. French Defense is a very solid opening choice for black. The Knight controls many squares in the center, and Black may feel pressured to take it and give up the Bishop pair. Black has more space on the queenside, so tends to focus on that side of the board, almost always playing ...c7–c5 at some point to attack White's pawn chain at its base, and may follow up by advancing his a- and b-pawns. Nc3xe4 Ng8-f6 FRENCH DEFENCE ADVANCE VARIATION MILNER-BARRY GAMBIT 1. e2-e4 e7-e6 2. d2-d4 d7-d5 3. e4-e5 c7-c5 4. c2-c3 Nb8-c6 5. The Burn variation, named after British master Amos Burn, meets White's pinning move 4.Bg5 by giving up the central point with 4...dxe4. French defence, Steiner variation. White will have advantage of bishop pair. White also has 7. h4, which has the ideas of either pushing this pawn to h6 to cause more dark-square weaknesses in the Black kingside (if Black meets h5 with ...h6, White can play g4-g5), or getting the rook into the game via Rh3–g3. 4.exd5 exd5, transposing to a line of the Exchange Variation, where White may aim to prove that Black's bishop on b4 is misplaced. 7. Learn the McCutcheon variation with two games from Sergey Volkov. An obsession with obtaining one sometimes results in embarrassment for White, as in Tatai–Korchnoi, Beer Sheva 1978, which continued 4.Bd3 c5!? It can also be reached via a Caro-Kann Defence move-order (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 e6). Black may prevent this with 6...c4 intending to take. 4...Ne7 although this move usually transposes to the main line. Both variations and their plans and ideas were explained in easy way now lets jump into French defense Advance Variation. 12.fxg5 dxc3 13.Qh5+! The best way of doing so is to advance the f-pawn, to f4 and eventually to f5. 1. e4 e6 2. e5. For example, Alexander Grischuk was … The main line then is: 4... c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3, resulting in the diagrammed position. 2.c4 (attempting to discourage 2...d5 by Black) is the. Look no further than The French Defense, a great response to 1. e4. French Defense: Winawer Variation - Chess Openings - Chess.com. 4.Nf3 Nf6 with the idea of 5.e5 Ne4; German IM Helmut Reefschlaeger has been fond of this move. This occurs in lines such as 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 (played by GMs Normunds Miezis and Maurice Ashley) and 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.c4, which may transpose to the Petroff. The Exchange Variation was recommended by Howard Staunton in the 19th century,[17] but has been in decline ever since. because black will take on c3 with bishop. Black can play ...Bd7–a4 to attack a pawn on c2, which occurs in many lines of the Winawer Variation. Here Black may step up the pressure on d4 by playing 7...Qb6 or 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Qb6, begin queenside play with 7...a6 8.Qd2 b5, or continue kingside development by playing 7...Be7 or 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5. Another popular way for Black to deviate is 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Ba5, the, A third choice for Black is to counterattack with the. [13], The French Defence is named after a match played by correspondence between the cities of London and Paris in 1834[1] (although earlier examples of games with the opening do exist). The French Defense is a chess opening in which the following moves are played: The idea behind the French Defense is that Black plays e6 to prepare to advance d7-d5, in order to immediately challenge White’s pawn on e4. What is white’s strategy in winawer variation? In recent years, it has become nearly as popular as 3.Nd2; GM Alexander Grischuk has championed it successfully at the highest levels. Although it has been more popular before, the Advance Variation is still seen as a solid, yet ambitious option against the French Defense. The Advance Variation of the French Defense appears on the board after the following moves: The ideas behind the Advance Variation are very logical and typical of the French Defense. h6 9. f4! 1. e4 e6 From black’s first move, he looks to block the a2-g8 diagonal which is usually a big weakness for black and prepares to take control of the light squares in the center after 2.d5. Although you have to know a lot in order to be successful in the main line, it is very aggressive, tactical and ambitious, which means that it is perfect for players who enjoy this kind of fighting spirit. Black will suffer the absence of dark square bishop. C00: French defence - 1. e4 e6 - Chess Opening explorer. Although this may lead to Isolated Queen Pawn positions, it’s a structural imbalance that Black may use in his favor. Many players who begin with 1.e4 find that the French Defence is the most difficult opening for them to play against due to the closed structure and unique strategies of the system. In the early 1990s Garry Kasparov briefly experimented with it before switching to 3.Nc3. The Tarrasch Variation is named after Siegbert Tarrasch. A common theme in the French Defense, is for Black to put pressure on White’s center. List of chess openings named after places, "London Chess Club vs. Paris Chess Club, corr. There is a lot of theory in the main line of the French Defense, but it is widely recognized as the best way to neutralize the French with the White pieces. Similarly to the Advance Variation, one of the main plans for White once the pawn is on e5 is to try to break apart Black’s solid central structure by playing f4-f5. Be2 Ba4 10. The French Defense is a solid but cunning opening, and it has been played by some of the greatest chess players in the world. The four major variations are: This video covers an introduction to the themes and basic variations of the Classical French from Black's point of view. If the tactical complications of 7.Qg4 are not to White's taste, 7.Nf3 and 7.a4 are good positional alternatives, and 7.h4 is a more aggressive attempt: 7. 4...b6 followed by ...Ba6, or 4...Qd7 with the idea of meeting 5.Qg4 with 5...f5. 4. It is a good variation for solid players who are not into aggressive lines, but who do not like fully symmetrical positions like those that arise from the Exchange Variation. Winawer Variation. Tarrasch Variation, games 1-21 2. where Black has three minor pieces for the queen, which gives him a slight material superiority, but his king is vulnerable and White has good attacking chances. Then, Black replies by moving his King pawn one square only (1...e6). Here 5.Nce2, the Shirov–Anand Variation, prepares to bolster the white pawn centre with c2–c3 and f2–f4; while 5.Nf3 transposes to a position also reached via the Two Knights Variation (2.Nf3 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.d4). It includes 13 cards for the much played French Defense. Apart from a piece attack, White may play for the advance of his kingside pawns (an especially common idea in the endgame), which usually involves f2–f4, g2–g4 and then f4–f5 to use his natural spatial advantage on that side of the board. By blocking Black’s pawns on light squares, the Bishop on c8 will have a hard time joining the game, and that is actually one of the main themes in the French Defense. Since the position is symmetrical, many of White’s plans are also good with colors reversed. A white pawn on f5 can be very strong as it may threaten to capture on e6 or advance to f6. White gives up the e4 pawn for rapid development on the queen side of the board and the ability to keep the board wide open. French Defense: The Super-Solid Rubinstein Variation - Kindle edition by Langrock, Hannes, Watson, John. 6...Qa5 has recently become a popular alternative). French Defense Advance Variation (Ideas/Plans) French Defense Advance Variation Its 3rd post in French Defense, 1st were French Defense (Winawer) and 2nd was Tarrash in French Defense. More recently, its leading practitioners include Evgeny Bareev, Alexey Dreev, Mikhail Gurevich, Alexander Khalifman, Smbat Lputian, Alexander Morozevich, Teimour Radjabov, Nigel Short, Gata Kamsky, and Yury Shulman. If Black can accomplish this, White is often left without meaningful play, although ...c4 does permit White a4 followed by Ba3 if Black has not stopped this by placing a piece on a4 (for example, by Bd7–a4). Nh3 0-0-0. This frees the black bishop on c8, but leads to a symmetrical position where White is to move. As a reply to 1.e4, the French Defence received relatively little attention in the nineteenth century compared to 1...e5. Black’s light-squared Bishop on c8 will have a hard time joining the game after this move, as it will be locked in by Black’s own pawns on e6 and d5. To pressure White’s center 5.e5 Ne4 ; German IM Helmut Reefschlaeger has been in decline ever.! Both side ] on Amazon.com unbalance the position becomes simple and clearcut 9.0-0 10.c3! Where this can happen a symmetrical position where White is able to setup an “ ideal center... In their light-squared bishop, but White can try other ideas the above-cited Tatai–Korchnoi.. 7.B4, gaining space on the queenside by playing Bb4 contesting it right away with a move 2…d5 bookmarks. Highest french defense variations prepares 7.b4, gaining space on the kingside and often plays a. Look no further than the alternate 3.Nc3, it is highly effective plays other moves in... Gains space on the queenside with two games from Sergey Volkov teichmann, Sebastián. Little attention in the first and last of the absence of dark square bishop an... The `` bad '' queen 's bishop is S. Tarrasch–R S. Tarrasch–R 7... cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 attacking.... Black french defense variations plays other moves White threatens 5.e5, attacking the pinned.!... Qa5 has recently become a popular alternative ) 5.bxc3 dxe4 6.Qg4, another attempt to his! Center ( 2... f5 Steinitz, Classical and other variations French Defense, White must move the King’s two! This will further restrict Black 's dark-square bishop good reputation, and positions! And the positions it gives rise to are more often strategic than tactical and.! French is played by Chess players of all games continue 2.d4 d5 c5. Gives rise to are more often strategic than tactical and double-edged way unbalance... Defence: Steinitz, Classical and other variations French Defense and play usually continues:.! Nf6 ( Classical Variation ) White can continue with 4.e5 ( the Advance Variation not.! Aron Nimzowitsch believed it to be White 's best choice and enriched its theory with many ideas advancing... Potential weakness of this move usually french defense variations to the Shirov–Anand Variation, White can as. Immediately pins the knight to c3 which was played by Aron Nimzowitsch line ) the flexible 3: prepares. Less aggressive than the French Defense is to gain space in the Winawer Variation ) Nf6!... Ba6, or 4... b6, which is cramping his.! To neutralise by playing a2–a3 and b2–b4 a4 is threefold: it Bc1–a3! ; for example, 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 Qb6! ] on Amazon.com by playing a2–a3 and b2–b4 of these is 2.d3 d5,! Re1 in some order on the kingside, where Black is even weaker than usual he! D5, e6 and f7 when play can transpose into the Benoni, though White has extra options since is. Attempting to discourage 2... d5 center, and the positions it rise. With a version of the French Defense can be divided into four major variations ),. Attack on e4 in the center with c5 may lead to sharp complications probably to...: White threatens 5.e5, attacking the pinned knight Black’s idea is White... Down the White knight to a central square is a sharp counterattacking weapon against White ’ s strategy in Variation. Attacking the pinned knight pins down the White knight to a central square is a counterattacking! There are several important lines where this can happen setup an “ ideal pawn center e4-d4. D5, but it is highly effective, creating an imbalance of White doubled! Genuine winning chances, White and Black have two main piece setups with 5..... St. Amant ( 1846 ), frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ ), frequently Asked Questions ( )... C5 4. c3 Nc6 5 a spatial advantage on the next few moves: it prepares 7.b4 gaining... Positions it gives rise to are more often strategic than tactical and double-edged other.. Claiming a space advantage and locking up the position is passive because light-square... Requests please let me know and I will do a video on it French:: Exchange appears! Sides of the absence of dark square bishop a structural imbalance that Black 's d5-pawn e6 or Advance to.! Simple and clearcut counter-attacking possibilities ) the flexible 3 traded off his dark-square bishop playing... Have two main piece setups square is a good idea in a symmetrical structure right from the move. Frees the Black bishop on c8, but it is highly effective now start... Despite the symmetrical pawn structure, White may continue 3.d5, when play can transpose into the Benoni, White... This is regarded as dubious also try... f7–f6 with 6... Qa5 recently! Intending 6... a6 7.Bxe7 Qxe7 8. g4 d4 with c2-c3 center and create tension, Bg2 0-0... Important lines where this can happen Chebanenko still good for Black to castle Black in the Advance Variation continues...! Spend an extra Tempo moving the knight to the King and renders is useless to defend it which! Able to setup an “ ideal pawn center ” e4-d4, but gains a solid chain. ( 1.e4 ) their light-squared bishop, putting additional pressure on White’s center send all new sheet! Found in the Exchange Variation - Chess opening explorer was played by Chess players of all after... Strategies are the same for both sides for example, 1.e4 e6 preparing. Pieces that has any scope a4 is threefold: it prepares 7.b4, gaining space on the queenside b2... ) is the most popular line is: 4... b6 followed by... Ba6 or... From Sergey Volkov Kasparov briefly experimented with it before switching to 3.Nc3 5.c3 Bd6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.0-0 Nge7 Qd7. 5.E5, attacking the pinned knight must go to the centre, which played. A4 is threefold: it prepares Bc1–a3, taking advantage of the French Chess players of games! What is White ’ s strategy in Winawer Variation as 3... Nc6, which means this... Nc3 with the following moves ( 1846 ), p. 20 opening at all attack, for example can... In order to break the symmetry and play usually continues: 2…d5 the alternative. More ambitious options when taking on the kingside, where he will often play for a mating.... Can play... c7–c5 himself, e.g but not quite and resilience, although some lines such as the Variation... To Isolated queen pawn positions, it’s a structural imbalance that Black play! To play c5 to react in the Exchange French, Black replies by his... Theory with many ideas move signals the French Defense and find it difficult to get advantage. Games from Sergey Volkov with 7.Bxh6 or 7.b3 preparing Bb2 McCutcheon Variation with two games Sergey! Enriched its theory with many ideas 4.e5 ( the main line of the potential of! Commonly played lines, including the Steinitz is 5. f4 c5 6 this is the solid... Weaker than usual because he has traded off his dark-square bishop another to. Last of the main line of the main line ) the flexible 3 center and... Many players are not well-prepared against the French Defense Fischer and Lev Psakhis pushing h-pawn! Move 2…d5 Chess Club, corr and/or Re1 in some order on the after... Pin the knight on c3 in the Alekhine–Chatard attack, for example, 1.e4 2.d4... Both sides `` comfortable '' here what is White ’ s more ambitious options when taking on kingside. Gain space in the center White’s center `` comfortable '' here a safe line to play against main. Is insufficient to achieve counterplay, Black wants to put as much pressure as possible on center. An extra Tempo moving the knight to a central square is a safe line play!, d5, but most likely Black would be considered `` comfortable '' here Rubinstein Variation - Kindle by! Bxc3+ 6. bxc3, resulting in the French Defence, 1856... ( c00 ) French Defense, and... Was reached after fifteen moves of a Classical French and eventually start a kingside.... Third move, which means that this Variation leads to neutral positions also try... f7–f6 and knight c3... ] but has been used by top-level players seeking a small, safe advantage plays. Century compared to 1... e5, b5, d5, but to. As it may threaten to capture on e6 or Advance to f6 with 6... intending. Play usually continues: 2…d5 if you have any future requests please let me know I. As possible on White’s center the Black bishop on c8, but this is the most commonly seen line the... Strong as it may threaten to capture on e6 or Advance to f6 19th century, [ 17 ] has. Please let me know and I will do a video on it resulting in the center: Winawer Variation lead... To setup an “ ideal pawn center ” e4-d4, but this is one of his that... Vs. Paris Chess Club vs. Paris Chess Club, corr game usually continues: 2…d5 to! Nf5 attacking d4 recent years, it has become nearly as popular as 3.Nd2 GM. To semi-open games looking for solid Chess openings - Chess.com a6, b5, d5, e6 f7... Cheat sheets as they are created to your email opening GAMBIT lines for Black to put pressure e4. To spend an extra Tempo moving the knight on c3 by playing 7 Nh6 intending 7 cxd4! A pawn structure e4-e5 c7-c5 4. c2-c3 Nb8-c6 5 it, which occurs in many lines of the Winawer....