C09

French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line

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

Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Amber-rapid 5th • 1996★ Notable
Geller, Efim P vs Arkhangelsky, Boris1-0
Wch Seniors • 1992★ Notable
McShane, Luke J vs Grischuk, Alexander1-0
Wch U10 • 1992★ Notable
Russek, Guil vs Kramnik, Vladimir0-1
WchT U26 • 1991★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Paneque, Pedro1-0
Wch U20 • 1988★ Notable
Navara,D vs Theodorou,Nikolas1-0
58th Biel GM2 Blitz 2025 • 2025
Firouzja,Alireza vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Bullet Chess Winners 2023 • 2023
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
Superbet Classic 2023 • 2023
Navara,D vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Julius Baer GenCup Prelim • 2022
Giri,A vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
FIDE World Cup 2021 • 2021
Navara,D vs Vaganian,R1-0
50th Biel GM 2017 • 2017
Ponomariov,R vs Harikrishna,P0-1
50th Biel GM 2017 • 2017
Safarli,E vs Short,N0-1
42nd Olympiad 2016 • 2016
Caruana,F vs Short,N1-0
53rd Masters • 2010
Polgar,Ju vs Jussupow,Ar1/2-1/2
European Rapid Championship • 2010
Tkachiev,V vs Ponomariov,R1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008
Navara,D vs Korchnoi,V1-0
50th It • 2008
Carlsen,M vs Jussupow,Ar1/2-1/2
NH Hotels • 2006
Adams,Mi vs Jussupow,Ar1-0
ch-FRA Top 16 Poule Haute • 2005

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