ECO C03 · for White
French Defense: Tarrasch 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.
1,356,444 games in this band reached the Tarrasch Variation position. From there White won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Ngf3 Qb6
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. Nd2 c5 4. c3 Nc6
3. Nd2
Preparing to support the e4 pawn while also freeing the c1 bishop. This move is part of the Tarrasch variation, which aims for a solid, but somewhat passive setup.
3... c5
Braking with c5 in order to challenge the center.
- 3... Nf6: Developing the knight while attacking the e4 pawn. Aiming to follow up with c5 and Nc6 to further challenge the center.
- 3... dxe4: Capturing on e4 to mostly neutralize white's space advantage and play a safe, solid game.
4. c3
Supporting the d4 pawn and allowing Black to force White into an isolated queen's pawn game.
- 4. exd5: Capturing the pawn aiming to kick black's queen when it recaptures or to give black an isolated pawn on d5.
- 4. Ngf3: Developing the knight while supporting the weak d4 pawn.
4... Nc6
Developing the knight while attacking White's d4 pawn.
- 4... cxd4: Capturing on d4 and opting to play a very safe or potentially isolated queens pawn position.
Move 5
5. Ngf3 Qb6
5. Ngf3
5... Qb6
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 pawn on e4 generally captures the pawn on d5
- The pawn on c3 usually recaptures the pawn on d4
- The light-squared bishop often develops to d3
- The knight on d2 often moves to b3
- The kingside rook typically develops to e1
- A common pawn move is e5
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