Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

French Defense

McCutcheon Variation, Tartakower Variation

C12offbeattactical

  1. 1.e4e6
  2. 2.d4d5
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.Bg5Bb4
  5. 5.e5h6
  6. 6.Bd2Nfd7
142 games45%49%

A rare McCutcheon French sideline in which Black answers 6. Bd2 with 6...Nfd7, keeping the pin on c3 instead of exchanging the b4-bishop.

Train it in Theoria

About the Tartakower Variation

The Tartakower Variation leaves the McCutcheon main line with 6...Nfd7. Black pulls the knight back from the e5-pawn instead of capturing on c3 and jumping to e4. The b4-bishop keeps its pin on the c3-knight, and the retreat clears the way for ...c5 against White's d4-e5 chain. White most often replies 7. Qg4, aiming at g7, while 7. a3 and 7. f4 are the main alternatives. The line is seldom played, and engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations