French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line

Before the first move

The French Tarrasch is a sophisticated way for White to avoid the pin on c3. By playing 3. Nd2, White keeps the c-pawn free to support the center. As Black, you will challenge this immediately with the Open System, leading to an Isolated Queen's Pawn structure where you trade stability for active piece play and central space.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move in chess. By controlling d5 and f5, White invites an immediate response. Black has many ways to fight back, including the solid e5, the sharp Sicilian with c5, or the resilient French Defense with e6.

1... e6Black · your move

Move your pawn to e6. This solid move prepares to challenge the center with d5 on your next turn. It creates a sturdy chain, though it temporarily boxes in your light-squared bishop.

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

2. d4White

White plays d4, occupying the center as expected. While the King's Indian Attack with d3 or the Chigorin with Qe2 are tricky sidelines, the main battle in the French always revolves around the d4 and e4 pawn duo.

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

Move your pawn to d5. This is the defining move of the French Defense, immediately striking at White's e4 pawn and challenging their control of the center.

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 avoids the Winawer pin that occurs after Nc3 Bb4. You'll see this often against players who prefer a more positional struggle. Other options like the Schlechter with Bd3 or the Alapin Gambit with Be3 are less common.

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... c5Black · your move

Push your pawn to c5. You are attacking the d4 pawn and putting pressure on White's center from the flank. This 'Open System' leads to very active positions for your pieces.

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. exd5White

White plays exd5, the most common way to handle the Open Tarrasch. By trading here, White hopes to leave you with a weak d5 pawn. White could also maintain the tension with Ngf3 or try the Süchting Line with c3.

Other paths here: Ngf3 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Euwe-Keres Line) · c3 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Süchting Line) · dxc5 (French: Tarrasch, Open, 4.dxc5)

4... exd5Black · your move

Capture back on d5 with your pawn. This maintains your presence in the center and opens up the diagonal for your light-squared bishop, which was previously blocked by your own pawn.

Other paths here: Qxd5 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Chistyakov Defense) · Nf6 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Shaposhnikov Gambit)

5. Ngf3White

White plays Ngf3, focusing on rapid development. The other main path is 5. Bb5+, forcing Black to block with the bishop or knight, which often leads to a more forcing sequence of trades.

Other paths here: Bb5+ (French: Tarrasch, Open, 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5+ Bd7)

5... Nc6Black · your move

Develop your knight to c6. You are putting immediate pressure on d4 and preparing to complete your kingside development. This knight is a vital defender of your central d5 pawn.

Other paths here: c4 (French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Advance Line) · a6 (French: Tarrasch, Open, 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 a6) · Nf6 (French: Tarrasch, Open, 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nf6)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of strategic depth. Black usually ends up with an isolated d5-pawn, which provides great piece activity but can become a long-term weakness. White will try to blockade d4 and trade pieces to reach a favorable endgame, while Black must use the open lines and central space to create a dynamic middlegame attack.

• f1-b5 Pin the knight and prepare castling
• c6-b4 Pressure d3 and jump into the position
• f8-d6 Develop the bishop to an active diagonal
• d2-b3 Relocate the knight to challenge c5