French Defense · C15

Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. exd5

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. ...Bb4 pins and usually trades for the c3-knight: Black wrecks White's queenside pawns and attacks them forever; White gets the bishop pair and kingside chances. White's knight on c3 is pinned against the king.

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.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 3 more moves in this line, 7 in all.