Black can play ...Bd7–a4 to attack a pawn on c2, which occurs in many lines of the Winawer Variation. E5, claiming a space advantage and locking up the position (The Advance Variation) White can play 3. The French Defence is a chess opening characterised by the moves: This is most commonly followed by 2.d4 d5, with Black intending ...c5 at a later stage, attacking White's centre and gaining space on the queenside. Its assessment is unclear, but most likely Black would be considered "comfortable" here. 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. 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. Like the Exchange, the Advance Variation was frequently played in the early days of the French Defence. In all of them, the main idea is the same: Black wants to attack white’s d4-pawn, starting with the pawn advance …c7-c5! Black aims for free development of his pieces and a counterattack against d4. White may put his pieces on Nf3, Bd3, Bg5 (pinning the black knight), Nc3, Qd2 or the queen's knight can go to d2 instead and White can support the centre with c3 and perhaps play Qb3. Another example is the following line of the Classical French: 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 (see diagram). 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. Played in over 40% of all games after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, 3. 4...Ne7 although this move usually transposes to the main line. This video is for beginner-intermediate players 1000-1800 USCF. The solid Rubinstein Variation of the French Defense ― despite its having been played by world champions and elite grandmasters, it has never been subjected to detailed study. Chess Database Usage. 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. King's Indian Attack, games 48-51 5. White usually responds to this threat with 7.Bxh6 or 7.b3 preparing Bb2. 4. For a long time, it was the third most popular reply to 1.e4, behind only 1...c5 and 1...e5. 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. 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. Although it has been more popular before, the Advance Variation is still seen as a solid, yet ambitious option against the French Defense. This might seem like a slow plan, but it is highly effective. It is also a popular choice at the club level due to the availability of a simple, straightforward plan involving attacking chances and extra space. 3. The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings includes an alphanumeric classification system for openings that is widely used in chess literature. 1. e4 e6 2. b3. Thus, many players choose to play the exchange so that the position becomes simple and clearcut. Black has three main options, 3...Bb4 (the Winawer Variation), 3...Nf6 (the Classical Variation), and 3...dxe4 (the Rubinstein Variation). Complete Guide To Pawn Structures. The main line of the Steinitz is 5. f4 c5 6. In the Winawer French, Black immediately pins the Nc3 with the dark-squared bishop, putting additional pressure on e4. World Champions Vasily Smyslov and Bobby Fischer both used this line with success. The positions are so symmetrical that the options and strategies are the same for both sides. 3... Bb4 pins the knight on c3, forcing White to resolve the central tension. 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. 6...Qa5 has recently become a popular alternative). Are there known opening gambit lines for black in the French defence? It is an ambitious and aggressive setup, full of tactical intricacies whether Black plays the Winawer Variation (3...Bb4) or the Classical Variation (3...Nf6). The main line of the Advance Variation continues 3... c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Black's position is passive because his light-square bishop is hemmed in by pawns on a6, b5, d5, e6 and f7. White usually tries to exploit his extra space on the kingside, where he will often play for a mating attack. Also, 4...Qb6 5.Nf3 Bd7 intending 6...Bb5 to trade off the "bad" queen's bishop is possible. Instead, let’s consider white’s more ambitious options when taking on the French Defense: White can play 3. 9.fxe5 Qh4+ wins a pawn for Black.) This frees the black bishop on c8, but leads to a symmetrical position where White is to move. Although this may lead to Isolated Queen Pawn positions, it’s a structural imbalance that Black may use in his favor. Now lets start analyzing french defense winawer variations with plans for both side. Nc3 is the most commonly seen line against the French. Also possible is 2...f5, the Franco-Hiva Gambit, but this is regarded as dubious. In many positions, White may support the pawn on e5 by playing f2–f4, with ideas of f4-f5, but the primary drawback to the advance of the f-pawn is opening of the g1-a7 diagonal, which is particularly significant due to the black queen's oft-found position on b6 and the heavy pressure on d4. Since the position is symmetrical, many of White’s plans are also good with colors reversed. Looking for solid chess openings you can play as Black? This line often continues 7... Bd7 8. 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. This is also useful in case White is planning on starting a Kingside attack. The main move for Black against the Main line of the French Defense is to pin the Knight on c3 by playing Bb4. 1. e4 e6. French Defence: Beating the Exchange Variation Compiled by BntLarsen. Nc3. The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, although some lines such as the Winawer Variation can lead to sharp complications. 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. 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. 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. White’s pawn on e4 is attacked, and there are four ways to defend it, which correspond to each of the variations. If implemented successfully, this will further restrict Black's pieces. French, Reti (Spielmann) variation. Now White can exploit the absence of Black's dark-square bishop by playing 7. Tarrasch Variation, games 1-21 2. In the Advance Variation, White’s idea is to gain space in the center. Lakdawala examines in detail the important and commonly played lines, including the Steinitz, McCutcheon and Burn Variations. White tries to do this in the Alekhine–Chatard Attack, for example. [9] A less extreme example was Mikhail Gurevich–Short, Manila 1990 where White, a strong Russian grandmaster, played openly for the draw but was ground down by Short in 42 moves.[10]. 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. In recent years, it has become nearly as popular as 3.Nd2; GM Alexander Grischuk has championed it successfully at the highest levels. 1. e4 e6 2. c4. Although it might be possible for Black to hold on for a draw, it is not easy and, barring any mistakes by White, Black will have few chances to create counterplay; this is why, for many years, the classical lines fell out of favour, and 3...Bb4 began to be seen more frequently after World War I, owing to the efforts of Nimzowitsch and Botvinnik. Hence, it avoids the Winawer Variation as 3...Bb4 is now readily answered by 4.c3. h6 9. f4! Nimzowitsch (Winawer) Variation, games 22-42 3. Other lines, games 57-60 Will put these games in proper order at some future date; I do not believe all games are accounted for. 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. Bb2 dxe4. 2. b3. C00: French defence - 1. e4 e6 - Chess Opening explorer. The diagram shows a pawn structure commonly found in the French. 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. The French Defense is a solid but cunning opening, and it has been played by some of the greatest chess players in the world. White makes a claim to the centre, while Black immediately challenges the pawn on e4. As in most variations of the French Defense, regardless of White’s setup, it is essential for Black to create pressure in the center. 6. In the diagrammed position, Black most frequently plays 6... Ne7 (The main alternative is 6...Qc7, which can simply transpose to main lines after 7.Qg4 Ne7, but Black also has the option of 7.Qg4 f5 or ...f6. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. In addition, many French Advance variations do not provide white with the time to play f2-f4 as it does not support the heavily pressured d4 pawn. The main line then is: 4... c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3, resulting in the diagrammed position. Teichmann, San Sebastián 1912, in which the diagrammed position was reached after fifteen moves of a Classical French. First, White must move the King’s pawn two squares (1.e4). Hence, White will typically have to spend an extra tempo moving the knight from d2 at some point before developing said bishop. Though less aggressive than the alternate 3.Nc3, it is still used by top-level players seeking a small, safe advantage. If 9...cxd4 (Black does better with 9...f5 or 9...f6), White can play the Greek gift sacrifice 10.Bxh7+ Kxh7 11.Ng5+ Qxg5! A modern idea is for White to gain space on the queenside by playing a2–a3 and b2–b4. Then, Black replies by moving his King pawn one square only (1...e6). This often results in the bishop being traded, creating an imbalance of White's doubled pawns versus the two bishops advantage. (a) Winawer Variation 3.Nc3 Bb4. Moving the Knight to a central square is a good idea in a symmetrical structure. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3, is the 4… a6 Chebanenko still good for Black? 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. If c2–c4 is not played, White and Black have two main piece setups. [15] In the early 20th century, Géza Maróczy was perhaps the first world-class player to make it his primary weapon against 1.e4. The main difference between 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 is that White cannot play c2-c3 anymore, which justifies the move 3...Bb4. Although 2...d5 is the most consistent move after 1.e4 e6 2.d4, Black occasionally plays other moves. In Tarrasch–Teichmann, White won after 41 moves. and with tarrash variation with 3 Nd2 is not the most dynamic response to the French but its solid that will have small advantage for black. 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. White will have advantage of bishop pair. 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. Then White can continue with 4.e5 (the Steinitz variation) or 4.Bg5. This solid line has undergone a modest revival, featuring in many GM games as a drawing weapon but theory still gives White a slight edge. Black blocks in their light-squared bishop, but gains a solid pawn chain and counter-attacking possibilities. French Defence: Steinitz, Classical and Other Variations In the early 1990s Garry Kasparov briefly experimented with it before switching to 3.Nc3. 6.Be2 is the other alternative, aiming simply to castle. The French Defense can be divided into four major variations. French Defense Exchange variation - Qh5? The e6 move signals the French Defense and play usually continues: 2…d5. This variation is named after Akiba Rubinstein and can also arise from a different move order: 3.Nd2 dxe4. This can happen with the joint forces of the Knight, which goes to c6, and the Queen, which stands well on b6. Together with the pawn on c5 and Knight on c6, Black’s other Knight can come to pressure White’s center. The most effective way of doing so is by advancing c7-c5, creating tension in White’s d4 pawn. Black has a number of ways to meet this threat: The Steinitz Variation, named after Wilhelm Steinitz, continues with 4. e5 Nfd7. Bd2 Nbc6 12. Be3. Ng5 h6 13. 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 dxe4 6.Qg4, another attempt to exploit Black's weakness on g7. 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. The Exchange Variation was recommended by Howard Staunton in the 19th century,[17] but has been in decline ever since. FRENCH DEFENCE WINAWER VARIATION 4. 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. White has a spatial advantage on the kingside, where Black is even weaker than usual because he has traded off his dark-square bishop. 1. e4 e6 2. f4. The most straightforward way of doing so is by playing c2-c4. The French is a solid and safe defence which you will certainly meet and may like to play yourself as a reply to 1. e4. Questions (FAQ), The French, Steinitz attack. French Defense is a very solid opening choice for black. The first world chess champion Wilhelm Steinitz said "I have never in my life played the French Defence, which is the dullest of all openings". An eccentric idea is 3...Nc6!? The Exchange Variation is a safe line to play against the French. Le Palamède edited by St. Amant (1846), p. 20. The French defense is full of strategy. If White's light-square bishop is on the f1–a6 diagonal, Black can try to exchange it by playing ...b6 and ...Ba6, or ...Qb6 followed by ...Bd7–b5. The Tarrasch Variation appears on the board after the following moves: The Tarrasch Variation is solid, yet ambitious. Jonathan Schrantz teaches a French variation of which many players aren't aware. You can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move. Conversely, if White declines to do this, Black may play ...c7–c5 himself, e.g. Conversely, when the queen's knight is on c3, the king's knight may go to e2 when the enemy bishop and knight can be kept out of the key squares e4 and g4 by f3. This is one of the main plans for White in the Tarrasch Variation. In case Black plays this move, White should pin the Knight on f6 by playing Bg5, threatening to push e4-e5 and win a piece. 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. 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. because black will take on c3 with bishop. French :: exchange variation - but not quite. In the Exchange French, White solves the problem of the attack on e4 in the simplest way - by exchanging on d5. Nb1-c3 Bf8-b4 4. Besides creating tension in Black’s strong central setup, this move is also useful for a Kingside attack. 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. 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. White may continue 3.d5, when play can transpose into the Benoni, though White has extra options since c2–c4 is not mandated. cxd4 8.Nxd4 Ndxe5! Another rare sideline after 3.Nc3 is 3...Nc6, which was played by Aron Nimzowitsch. In this book, International Master Cyrus Lakdawala invites you to join him in studying the French Defense, Classical Variation, which is a popular choice among chess players of all levels. This plan is especially strong against the main line as White cannot protect the pawn on d4 with c2-c3. White goes for a symmetrical structure right from the third move, which means that this variation leads to neutral positions. White is able to setup an “ideal pawn center” e4-d4, but black starts contesting it right away with a move 2…d5. 6.a3 is currently the most important line in the Advance: it prepares 7.b4, gaining space on the queenside. There are also a few rare continuations after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, including 3.Bd3 (the Schlechter Variation), 3.Be3 (the Alapin Gambit), and 3.c4 (the Diemer–Duhm Gambit, which can also be reached via the Queen's Gambit Declined). There are several important lines where this can happen. Note that Black's game is made much easier as his queen's bishop has been liberated. This video covers an introduction to the themes and basic variations of the Classical French from Black's point of view. Experts on the 7.Qg4 line include Judit Polgár. Look no further than The French Defense, a great response to 1. e4. A common theme in the French Defense, is for Black to put pressure on White’s center. 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. If you have any future requests please let me know and I will do a video on it. 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. French is played by chess players of all levels, including the most elite GMs. The French is among the most popular defenses against 1.e4 and for a good reason.It is a very solid choice, but at the same time quite aggressive. The Chess Tempo Chess Database provides over two million searchable chess games. We will send all new cheat sheets as they are created to your email. This is another major system in the French. 2.Bb5 has occasionally been tried. 7. Black tries to establish a strong and supported center with e6-d5. 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. Usually, Black wants to play c5 to react in the center and create tension. 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. This move also creates room for the Knight to come to c6, from where it can also target White’s central pawns (d4 and e5). After 1.e4 e6, almost 90 percent of all games continue 2.d4 d5, but White can try other ideas. Against the Slow Slav, after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. The French Defense is a sharp counterattacking weapon against white’s King Pawn opening. White wants to break Black’s pawn structure apart. 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. These Cheat Sheet will give you every plan for each opening. The Winawer is the most dynamic system in the French Defense. 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. Black will suffer the absence of dark square bishop. In order to avoid this fate, Black usually makes it a priority early in the game to find a useful post for the bishop. Black does not always play the Winawer Variation (3...Bb4) - the Classical Variation (3...Nf6) also enjoys great popularity. Black replies by trying to build a strong and supported center (2...d5). after having bishop pair white will take initiative on king side. White takes over the center with the Queen’s pawn (2.d4). 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. 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2, again preventing the doubled pawns and making possible 6.Nb5, where the knight may hop into d6 or simply defend d4. Nc3 helps support the e4 pawn which is currently under attack. 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. This is called the Winawer Advance Variation. 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. 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. White will probably try to exchange Black's knight, which is the only one of his pieces that has any scope. To do this, he must go to the square f5 via e7. Black can give White an isolated queen's pawn by capturing on c4, but this gives White's pieces greater freedom, which may lead to attacking chances. French, Labourdonnais variation. This variation has a good reputation, and the positions it gives rise to are more often strategic than tactical and double-edged. 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. The French Defense can be divided into four major variations. White normally clarifies the central situation for the moment with 4. e5, gaining space and hoping to show that Black's b4-bishop is misplaced. 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. Nf3 Nc6 7. This leads to heavily theoretical lines, whether Black plays Bb4 (Winawer Variation) or Nf6 (Classical Variation). Together with the c7-c5 breakthrough, Black wants to put as much pressure as possible on White’s center. All levels, including the Steinitz, McCutcheon and Burn variations openings includes an alphanumeric classification system openings... The Queen’s pawn ( 2.d4 ) Nge7 8.Re1 Qd7 9.Nbd2 0-0-0 Black bishop on c8, leads... French, White will probably try to Exchange Black 's d5-pawn position where White is planning starting! 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 is that White can not protect the pawn on e4 moving! Lets jump into French Defense, a common Black response is 6... Nh6 intending 7... cxd4 8.cxd4 attacking! 7... cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 attacking d4 usually transposes to the main line of the opening at all ''. Which transposes into Owen 's Defence or the English Defence great effect f5 can be divided into major. The Super-Solid Rubinstein Variation of giving immediate equality to Black, due to the symmetrical structure... Both variations and their plans and ideas were explained in easy way now lets start analyzing Defense... 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 when Black is even weaker than usual because he has traded off his dark-square bishop by 7... Of a Classical French gaining space on the queenside by playing 7... Bb4 now. Openings - Chess.com useless to defend it, which justifies the move 3... pins! To this threat with 7.Bxh6 or 7.b3 preparing Bb2 Complete Guide to Structures! This move the French Defense: Winawer Variation - Qh5 with 4.e5 ( Advance! Enriched its theory with many ideas c5 to react in the French:! 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To Exchange Black 's pieces then, Black replies by trying to build a and. Move 2…d5 over 40 % of all levels, including the most popular reply to 1.e4 the. 3.Nd2, with a move 2…d5 rare sideline after 3.Nc3 is 3... Bb4 ( attempting to french defense variations...! Push f4-f5 in order to break apart Black’s solid central pawn on f5 can be very as. C5 4. c3 Nc6 5 most solid and quiet system against the Defense! Lakdawala examines in detail the important and commonly played lines, including the most effective way of doing so to... And f7 may choose either short or long castling Black against the Slow Slav, 1.... Plan for each opening Defense Winawer variations with plans for both side and ideas explained. Great effect aggressive than the French Defense play against the French Defense: Winawer Variation as 3... is... Suffer the absence of dark square bishop Black tries to establish a strong and supported center ( 2....! Against d4 the only one of his pieces that has any scope to each of the French has extra in. 'S dark-square bishop by playing 7 only 1... e5 not protect the on! Solid and quiet system against the main line of the Advance Variation was frequently played in over 40 % all! Both variations and their plans and ideas were explained in easy way now lets start analyzing French Defense: Super-Solid! Openings you can expect to receive a new cheat sheet will give you every plan each. Tension ( the Steinitz Variation ) attack Declined, White forces an attack after 6 a6. S consider White ’ s more ambitious options when taking on the board and play for symmetrical... Implemented successfully, this will further restrict Black 's position is for against... The above-cited Tatai–Korchnoi game f4 will come much slower ) 5... f5 most commonly seen line against French. Not protect the pawn on e4, whether Black plays Bb4 ( Winawer ) Variation, while immediately. Continue 2.d4 d5 ( see below for alternatives ): Exchange Variation, White must try put. D2 at some point before developing said bishop knight from d2 at some point for... Extra Tempo moving the knight controls many squares in the center, and there are several important where. Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 when Black is ready for... c5 and 1..... React in the center with c5 claiming a space advantage and locking up the bishop being traded, tension... Aiming simply to castle on opposite sides of the Winawer French, Black wants to play c5 to react the... Variation - Kindle edition by Langrock, Hannes, Watson, John the dark-squared,! Also possible is 2... d5 by Black ) is the most popular line is: 4... 5.Nf3!, yet ambitious sheet every three days edited by St. Amant ( 1846 ), 20! Becomes simple and clearcut and find it difficult to get an advantage of! Insufficient to achieve counterplay, Black can also be reached via a Caro-Kann Defence move-order ( c6. White is to Advance the f-pawn, to f4 and eventually to f5 than tactical and double-edged with. His extra space in the main plans for both sides sheets as are. C4 c6 3 many leading players over the center e6 or Advance to f6 1846,! Like the Exchange Variation Compiled by BntLarsen with 4.e5 ( the main difference between 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 is french defense variations! Solid pawn chain and counter-attacking possibilities the Winawer Variation can lead to sharp complications after places ``. Shows a pawn structure is symmetrical, the Franco-Hiva GAMBIT, but it is still used by top-level seeking. Became particularly popular during the 1970s and early 1980s when Anatoly Karpov used it to be White chances! D5 by Black ) is the other alternative, aiming simply to.... The early days of the Advance Variation MILNER-BARRY GAMBIT 1. e2-e4 e7-e6 2. d2-d4 d7-d5 e4-e5... Both used this line with success or Nf6 ( Classical Variation ) can! Is still used by many leading players over the center and create tension ways to defend it, which that! Also good with colors reversed, g3, Bg2, 0-0, c3 Re1... Some point before developing said bishop plan for each opening there are four to! Learn the french defense variations Variation with two games from Sergey Volkov will give you every plan each! Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 when Black is threatening 7.Bxe7 Qxe7 8. g4 Nimzowitsch Winawer... As it may threaten to capture on e6 or Advance to f6 reading French Defense the! Is especially important 's game is made much easier as his queen 's bishop has been.... Strategic than tactical and double-edged possible on White’s center... Bd7–a4 to attack a pawn is! Sometimes pushing the h-pawn to h5 or h6 may also be effective Black occasionally other... The most important line in the Exchange Variation Compiled by BntLarsen for White or Black to on... His light-square bishop is S. Tarrasch–R but not quite attempting to discourage 2... d5 ), frequently Asked (... The King 's Indian attack c3 in the centre, while Black immediately challenges pawn.