8765432abcdefgh1

French Defense

Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation

C13offbeatsolid

  1. 1.e4e6
  2. 2.d4d5
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.Bg5Be7
  5. 5.e5Ne4
1,147 games50%45%

A French Classical sideline in which Black meets 5. e5 with 5...Ne4, seeking quick minor-piece trades; uncommon, with White keeping a slight edge.

Train it in Theoria

About the Tartakower Variation

The Tartakower Variation arises when Black answers 5. e5 with 5...Ne4 rather than the usual retreat 5...Nfd7. The knight goes forward instead, aiming to exchange itself for the c3-knight and so simplify the cramped position by swapping minor pieces. White's most frequent reply is 6. Bxe7, trading bishops at once. 6. Nxe4 removes the knight directly, and 6. h4 is a rare try. The line is seldom played. White scores somewhat better, and the engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations