C01
French Defense: Exchange Variation
Key moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
The Exchange Variation leads to symmetrical positions that are considered drawish at the top level. However, the resulting positions still offer chances for both sides in practical play.
History & Notable Players
While considered tame, some players like Bobby Fischer used it to avoid the complications of the main lines.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
C00 - French Defense801C02 - French Defense: Advance Variation1180C03 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation318C04 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Guimard Defense, Main Line93C05 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation261C06 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Leningrad Variation187C07 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System597C08 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System218C09 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line250
Best Games
Gukesh,D vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
WCh 2024 2024Notable
Aronian,L vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 2024Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 2024Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 2024Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Tabatabaei,M vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 2020Notable
Svidler,P vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2016 2016Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 2014Notable
Sibriaev,A vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
WCC 2005Notable
Nataf,IA vs Short,N1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2000Notable
Filipov, A. vs Radjabov, Teimour0-1
Wch U12 1998Notable
Megaranta, Susanto vs Radjabov, Teimour0-1
Wch U10 1997Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Beliavsky, Alexander G1-0
Dortmund 1995Notable
Kovchan, Alexander vs Grischuk, Alexander1/2-1/2
Wch U10 1993Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Tilburg 1991Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Timman, Jan H1-0
Tilburg 1990Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Portisch, Lajos1/2-1/2
Reggio Emilia8687 1986Notable
Larsen, Bent vs Portisch, Lajos1-0
Amsterdam Interzonal 1964Notable
Capablanca, Jose Raul vs Alekhine, Alexander0-1
World Championship 13th 1927Notable