French Defence: Tarrasch Variation / 3....Nf6

Before the first move

The French Tarrasch is a sophisticated way to meet 1. e4. By playing 3. Nd2, White avoids the sharp pins of the Winawer while maintaining a solid center. You will learn how to challenge this setup by attacking the d4-pawn and creating counterplay on the queenside, leading to a complex, strategic struggle.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most common opening move. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. You now have many choices, from the symmetrical e5 to the fighting Sicilian with c5.

1... e6Black · your move

Move your pawn to e6. This solid move prepares to challenge the center with d5 on your next turn. It defines the French Defense, creating a sturdy chain that protects your kingside.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. d4White

White plays d4, seizing the full center. This is the most principled response to the French. You might also see the King's Indian Attack with d3 or the Chigorin Variation with Qe2, but d4 is the main challenge.

Other paths here: b4 (French Defense: Banzai-Leong Gambit) · Bb5 (French Defense: Bird Invitation) · Qe2 (French Defense: Chigorin Variation) · b3 (French Defense: Horwitz Attack)

2... d5Black · your move

Push your pawn to d5. You are immediately striking at the heart of White's center. This move forces White to decide how to handle the tension on e4, which is the central theme of the opening.

Other paths here: b5 (French Defense: Baeuerle Gambit) · f5 (French Defense: Franco-Hiva Gambit) · c5 (French Defense: Franco-Sicilian Defense) · Nf6 (French Defense: Mediterranean Defense)

3. Nd2White

White plays Nd2, the Tarrasch Variation. By avoiding Nc3, White prevents you from pinning the knight with your bishop. Other options include the Advance Variation with e5 or the Exchange Variation with exd5.

Other paths here: Be3 (French Defense: Alapin Gambit) · c4 (French Defense: Diemer-Duhm Gambit) · Nh3 (French Defense: Morphy Gambit) · Nf3 (French Defense: Perseus Gambit)

3... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. You are putting immediate pressure on the e4-pawn, forcing White to either defend it further or push it forward to e5, which clarifies the central structure.

Other paths here: Nc6 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Guimard Defense) · f5 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Haberditz Variation) · a6 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Modern System) · Be7 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Morozevich Variation)

4. e5White

White plays e5, gaining space and forcing your knight to move. This closes the center, which is a hallmark of the French. You must now find a safe retreat for your knight while preparing a counter-strike.

4... Nfd7Black · your move

Retreat your knight to d7. From here, the knight is safely tucked away but remains ready to support the upcoming c5 pawn break, which is your primary way to fight for the center.

Other paths here: Ne4 (French: Tarrasch, Closed, 4...Ne4)

5. Bd3White

White plays Bd3, developing the bishop to an aggressive post. White could also choose f4 to bolster the pawn chain or c3 to solidify d4, but Bd3 focuses on rapid development and kingside pressure.

Other paths here: f4 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Pawn Center Variation) · c3 (French: Tarrasch, Closed, 5.c3)

5... c5Black · your move

Push your pawn to c5. This is the most important thematic move in the French Defense. You are attacking the base of White's pawn chain at d4 to create tension and open lines for your pieces.

Where you stand

The game has reached a classic French structure. White will try to maintain the d4-e5 pawn wedge and launch a kingside attack using the Bd3 and Nd2. Black's plan is to increase pressure on d4 with Nc6 and Qb6, eventually trying to break the center or find counterplay on the c-file.

• b8-c6 Develop the knight to pressure d4
• d8-b6 The queen adds pressure to d4 and b2
• c2-c3 Solidify the d4 pawn base
• g1-f3 Bring the knight to support d4