What French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System puts on the board
Material is level, with white to move.
White has central pawns on d4 and e4; Black has central pawns on d5.
White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.
What White is trying to build
Support the d4–e5 pawn chain and use the extra kingside space.
Prepare c3 and develop before deciding whether to attack with f4.
How Black challenges it
Challenge White’s centre with …c5 and often …f6.
Pressure d4 and solve the light-squared bishop before the position closes.
The tactical pattern to recognise
Pressure on d4 from …c5 and …Qb6.
The e5 pawn can become the base of a kingside attack or a target after …f6.
What to check before committing
Defending d4 mechanically while falling behind in development.
Playing …f6 before the black king and e6 pawn are tactically secure.
Choose the next book move
Preview a move to see the resulting position and the idea behind it. Select it to continue on the same board.
Reference links and alternate move orders
Move orders
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c51.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5
Related variations
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Euwe Variation
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Extended Bishop Swap
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Frenkel Gambit
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Kupreichik Variation
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Nimzowitsch Attack
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Nimzowitsch Gambit
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Nimzowitsch System
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Paulsen Attack
- French Defense: Advance Variation, Ruisdonk Gambit