ECO C10 · for White
French Defense: Paulsen Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
4,290,027 games in this band reached the Paulsen Variation position. From there White won 50% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 Qb6 8. Na4 Qa5+ 9. c3 cxd4 10. Nxd4
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e6
Intending a d7-d5 advance to contest the center.
2. d4
Creating the ideal pawn center, with pawns on d4 and e4.
2... d5
Challenging the center immediately, aiming to undermine White's control of the d4 square.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7
3. Nc3
Defending the e4 pawn.
3... Nf6
Developing the knight while putting further pressure on the center.
- 3... dxe4: Capturing the e4 pawn in order to mostly neutralize white's space advantage.
- 3... Bb4: Pinning the knight and threatening to capture on e4 or double white's pawns.
- 3... c5: Challenging the center and opening up the position.
4. e5
Advancing the pawn while relieving the central tension and attacking the knight.
- 4. Bg5: Developing the bishop while pinning the knight and preparing to play e5.
4... Nfd7
Retreating the knight because of the e5 threat. Preparing to play c5 or f6 to attack the center.
Moves 5 to 6
5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6
5. f4
Gaining central space and supporting the center.
5... c5
Breaking in the center and aiming to break up white's pawn with this break and the f6 break.
6. Nf3
Developing the knight while supporting the center.
6... Nc6
Developing the knight while placing further pressure on white's center.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Be3 Qb6 8. Na4 Qa5+
7. Be3
Developing the dark squared bishop while supporting the center.
7... Qb6
8. Na4
8... Qa5+
Moves 9 to 10
9. c3 cxd4 10. Nxd4
9. c3
9... cxd4
10. Nxd4
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on e3 generally recaptures the knight on d4
- The pawn on c3 usually recaptures the queen on b4
- The light-squared bishop often develops to d3
- The king on e1 often moves to f2
- The knight on a4 often moves to c5
- A common pawn move is b4
Related opening guides
- French Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White