French Defense · C07

Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8

Black comes out ahead on material - White needs concrete play to justify it. Nd2 sidesteps the Winawer pin and keeps the pawn front intact: White accepts a modest centre in exchange for a sound, theory-light edge.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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