Winawer Defense

The Winawer Defense departs from the classical 4...e6 by using 4...Be6 to protect the pawn on c4, which White's 4. e3 was preparing to regain. The bishop stands in front of the e-pawn and can become a target. 5. Nc3 is the most common reply. 5. Qa4+ and 5. Na3 both aim at c4 directly. The engine gives White a slight edge, and White scores well in practice. The line is seldom played.