French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation, Main Line

Before the first move

The Tarrasch Variation is White's sophisticated way to avoid the complications of the Winawer. By placing the knight on d2, White maintains a solid pawn center while keeping the c-pawn free to support d4. Black aims to undermine this structure with the thematic c5 break, leading to a tense, strategic battle.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most popular move in chess. By occupying the center, White invites Black to choose their defensive system. You'll see many responses here, but the French Defense with e6 is one of the most resilient and counter-attacking choices available.

1... e6Black · your move

Move your pawn to e6. This defines the French Defense, preparing to support a d5 push on the next move. While it temporarily blocks your light-squared bishop, it creates a very solid structure that is difficult for White to break down.

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

2. d4White

White plays d4, taking full control of the center as Black allowed. This is the main line, though White can also try the King's Indian Attack with d3 or the Chigorin Variation with Qe2 if they want to avoid the main theoretical battles.

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 now directly challenging White's e4 pawn and asserting your presence in the center. This move is the cornerstone of your strategy, forcing White to decide how to handle the tension.

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. This is a refined approach that avoids the complications of the Winawer (Nc3 Bb4). White keeps the c3 square open for a pawn. Black can respond with Nf6, c5, or even the Guimard Defense with Nc6.

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 and forcing White to make a decision. This move often leads to a closed center where you will later look to attack the base of White's pawn chain.

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 creates the 'closed' French structure. White now has a space advantage on the kingside, while you will have to look for counterplay on the queenside and against the d4 pawn.

4... Nfd7Black · your move

Retreat your knight to d7. From this square, the knight is ready to support the thematic c5 pawn break. It also stays flexible, potentially moving to b6 or helping to defend your kingside if White launches an early attack.

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

5. Bd3White

White plays Bd3, developing naturally and eyeing the kingside. White could also choose f4 to bolster the e5 pawn immediately or c3 to solidify d4. The bishop on d3 is a key attacking piece in many of White's plans here.

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

5... c5Black · your move

Strike at the center with c5. This is the most important pawn break in the French Defense. You are challenging the d4 pawn and opening the c-file for your rook and queen to create counterplay on the queenside.

6. c3White

White plays c3, reinforcing the d4 pawn. This is the most solid response. White wants to keep a pawn on d4 at all costs to keep your pieces cramped. Now the battle lines are clearly drawn around the d4-e5 pawn wedge.

6... Nc6Black · your move

Bring your knight to c6. You are piling more pressure on the d4 pawn. Along with your pawn on c5, this knight forces White to find ways to defend the center while you continue your development.

Other paths here: b6 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation)

7. Ne2White

White plays Ne2. This is a very flexible move. By placing the knight here, White defends d4 and keeps the path open for the f-pawn to advance later. Alternatively, White could play Ndf3, but Ne2 is considered more sophisticated in this line.

Other paths here: Ndf3 (French: Tarrasch, Closed, 7.Ndf3) · Ngf3 (French: Tarrasch, Closed, 7.Ngf3)

7... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4. By trading, you clarify the central tension and open the c-file for your pieces. This move forces White to recapture and allows you to start targeting the d4 pawn more directly with your queen.

Other paths here: a5 (French: Tarrasch, Closed, 7.Ne2 a5)

8. cxd4White

White recaptures with cxd4. The central structure is now fixed. White has a space advantage and an attacking outlook on the kingside, while you have the semi-open c-file and clear targets in the center to work with.

Where you stand

The position is a classic French struggle. White will look to castle and use the space advantage to launch a kingside attack, often involving f4-f5. Black will counter by pressuring d4 with Qb6 and developing the dark-squared bishop, while trying to solve the problem of the 'French Bishop' on c8 through a6 and b5.

• d8-b6 Queen pressures the d4 pawn
• f2-f4 Pawn break to start kingside attack
• c8-b7 Develop the light-squared bishop via b7
• e2-f4 Knight maneuvers to support the center
• e1-g1 Castle kingside for safety