Theoria
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French Defense

Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line

C09positional

  1. 1.e4e6
  2. 2.d4d5
  3. 3.Nd2c5
  4. 4.exd5exd5
  5. 5.Ngf3Nc6
1,929 games50%44%

Classical Open Tarrasch line in which Black develops with 5...Nc6 and accepts an isolated d-pawn in return for active piece play.

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About the Main Line

The Main Line arises when Black meets 5. Ngf3 with 5...Nc6. This adds pressure on d4, and Black usually accepts an isolated queen's pawn in exchange for free piece activity. The line featured in seven games of the 1974 Karpov–Korchnoi Candidates match. The usual 6. Bb5 leads to 6...Bd6 7. O-O Nge7 8. dxc5 Bxc5 9. Nb3 Bb6. There White aims to contain Black's activity and exploit the isolani in the ending. 6. dxc5 is the main alternative. Engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations