C05

French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 e6

The French Defence is a solid and strategic opening where Black plays ...e6 to support a later ...d5, challenging White's centre. The resulting positions feature distinct pawn structures and strategic plans for both sides — White often attacks on the kingside while Black counterattacks on the queenside.

History & Notable Players

Named after a correspondence match between London and Paris in 1834 where it was used. The French has been a reliable weapon for strategically-minded players including Mikhail Botvinnik, Viktor Korchnoi, and Tigran Petrosian.

Best Games

Kotsur,P vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Vokhidov,Shamsiddin vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 14 • 2020★ Notable
Predojevic,B vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 9 • 2020★ Notable
Kotsur,P vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Navara,D vs Korchnoi,V1/2-1/2
36th Olympiad • 2004★ Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Bunzmann, Dimitrij1/2-1/2
Wch U16 • 1998★ Notable
Grachev, Boris vs Radjabov, Teimour0-1
Wch U12 • 1998★ Notable
Szabo, Zsolt Jozsef vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam0-1
Wch U20 • 1997★ Notable
Papp, Gabor vs Radjabov, Teimour0-1
Wch U10 • 1997★ Notable
Zhao Min Jun vs Grischuk, Alexander1-0
Wch U12 • 1994★ Notable
Azarov, Sergei vs Grischuk, Alexander1/2-1/2
Wch U10 • 1992★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Timman, Jan H0-1
Tilburg • 1991★ Notable
Ye Jiangchuan vs Short, Nigel D1-0
WchT • 1989★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1987★ Notable
Espinoza Flores, Rafael vs Jussupow, Artur0-1
WchT U26 • 1985★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Biel Interzonal • 1985★ Notable
Horvath, Csaba vs Ivanchuk, Vassily0-1
Wch U20 • 1985★ Notable
Sokolov, Andrei vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Wch U20 • 1982★ Notable
Damljanovic, Branko vs Short, Nigel D0-1
Wch U20 • 1980★ Notable
Adianto, Utut vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Wch U20 • 1980★ Notable

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