Theoria
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French Defense

Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation Declined

C18tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.e4e6
  2. 2.d4d5
  3. 3.Nc3Bb4
  4. 4.e5c5
  5. 5.a3Bxc3+
  6. 6.bxc3Ne7
  7. 7.Qg4Qc7
  8. 8.Bd3
152 games46%48%

Winawer French line where White meets the Poisoned Pawn's 7...Qc7 with 8. Bd3, developing the kingside rather than taking on g7 at once.

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About the Poisoned Pawn Variation Declined

Instead of capturing on g7 immediately, White develops with 8. Bd3 and prepares to castle kingside. The most common reply, 8...cxd4, leaves g7 without the option of defending it with ...Nf5. After 9. Ne2 dxc3 10. Qxg7 Rg8 11. Qxh7 Qxe5, the play is double-edged, with White's king stuck in the center. 8...c4 drives the bishop to e2, after which ...Qa5 or ...Nf5 keeps Black's kingside intact. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations