French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation

Before the first move

The French Defense Tarrasch Variation is a sophisticated battle for the center. White avoids the pin of the Winawer by placing the knight on d2, while Black immediately challenges the e4-pawn. This Closed Variation leads to complex strategic maneuvering where both sides fight for space and piece activity.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move in chess. By seizing central space, White prepares for rapid development. While Black has many ways to respond, the French Defense is one of the most solid and counter-attacking choices available.

1... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This is the foundation of the French Defense, preparing to support a d5 push next move. You are creating a solid structure that will eventually challenge White's central control while keeping your king safe.

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

2. d4White

White plays d4, establishing a full pawn center. This is the most ambitious continuation, though White can also explore the King's Indian Attack with d3 or the Chigorin Variation with Qe2. Black must now strike back at the center to avoid being overwhelmed.

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 directly challenging White's e4-pawn and fighting for your share of the center. This move defines the French Defense, creating a tension that White must resolve by advancing, capturing, or defending.

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 signature move of the Tarrasch. This avoids the sharp lines of the Winawer Variation. White could also choose the Advance Variation with e5 or the Schlechter Variation with Bd3, but Nd2 offers a more flexible and strategic long-term approach.

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 maximum pressure on the e4-pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move forces White to decide whether to push the pawn to e5 or defend it further, defining the pawn structure for the rest of the game.

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)

Where you stand

The position is now primed for a central lock. White usually responds with e5, leading to a closed structure where White attacks on the kingside and Black counterattacks on the queenside. Both sides must balance piece coordination with the inevitable pawn breaks that will open the game later.

• e4-e5 Lock the center and gain space
• c7-c5 Challenge the base of the pawn chain
• f1-d3 Develop bishop to its most active diagonal
• f6-e4 Occupy the central outpost if e5 is not played