French Defense: Tarrasch Open Chistyakov Eliskases Variation
French Defense
Definition
The French Defense is the opening that begins 1…e6 in reply to 1.e4. Black immediately prepares …d5 to challenge White’s central pawn on e4 while keeping the light-squared bishop temporarily shut in. The opening is classified under ECO codes C00–C19.
Typical Move-Order
The starting point is
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5
From here the game can branch into main systems such as the Winawer (3.Nc3 Bb4), Classical (3.Nc3 Nf6), Rubinstein (3.Nc3 dxe4) or, most relevant for the definitions that follow, the Tarrasch Variation (3.Nd2).
Strategic Ideas
- Black fights for the d4-square rather than occupying the centre at once.
- The pawn chain e6–d5 lends itself to a counterattack based on …c5 and …f6.
- Both sides must decide when (or if) to trade on e4/d5, which transforms the pawn structure and the character of the game.
Historical Significance
The French originated in a 19th-century correspondence match in which the Paris Chess Club (hence “French”) employed 1…e6 with success. It became a favourite of World Champions such as Botvinnik, Petrosian, and Karpov, and remains a mainstay of modern repertoires (e.g. Ding Liren, Wesley So).
Illustrative Game
Botvinnik–Petrosian, USSR Ch. 1956, shows the French’s counter-attacking potential. After a long manoeuvring middlegame, Petrosian’s freeing break …c5 equalised and later decided the game in his favour.
Interesting Facts
- Although Black’s c- and f-pawns are the traditional breaks, several modern lines (e.g. the Poisoned Pawn in the Winawer) revolve around an early …g5!
- The light-squared bishop is a recurring joke among French devotees—“the French bishop is born bad and usually dies bad,” yet handling this piece well often distinguishes master play from amateur handling of the opening.
Tarrasch Variation (in the French Defense)
Definition
The Tarrasch Variation arises after 3.Nd2 in the French. Named for Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch, the move sidesteps the Winawer pin (…Bb4) and keeps options flexible.
Main Lines
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 (Open System – the branch we will follow below)
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 (Closed System)
Strategic Aims
- White keeps a solid centre and hopes for a space advantage.
- Because the knight blocks the c-pawn, White often accepts an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) or hanging pawns in exchange for piece activity.
- Black counts on counter-play against d4 and pressure along the c- & e-files.
Historical Notes
Tarrasch championed rapid development and central control; 3.Nd2 embodies his principles by supporting e4 and preparing c3 (in closed lines) or an early exchange on d5 (open lines). Karpov and Korchnoi famously debated the Tarrasch in their 1974 Candidates’ Final.
Example Continuation
Interesting Facts
- The move 3.Nd2 was once considered “modest,” yet modern engines rate it on par with the more tactical 3.Nc3.
- Several sub-variations (Guimard, Marshall, Morozevich Gambit) carry the names of players who introduced fresh attacking ideas.
Open Variation (of the Tarrasch)
Definition
The Open Variation of the Tarrasch arises after an early pawn exchange in the centre:
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5
The resulting pawn structure is symmetrical and relatively open compared with most French positions, hence the name.
Key Characteristics
- Isolated or hanging d- and c-pawns often appear.
- Both bishops have clearer lines than in most French families, giving the game a more “open” feel.
- Piece activity outweighs long-term pawn weaknesses; rapid development is essential.
Typical Plans
White tries:
- Development with Nf3, Be2/Bb5+, 0-0, and sometimes c4.
- Pressure on d5 via c4, Qb3, or Re1.
Black counters with:
- …Nc6, …Nf6, and sometimes the freeing break …c4.
- Minor-piece exchanges leading to an equal or slightly better endgame thanks to symmetrical pawns.
Historical & Practical Significance
The Open Variation appeals to players who like classical piece play without the locked pawn chains typical of many French lines. It has been employed by Fischer, Short, and more recently by Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.
Illustrative Fragment
Chistyakov Variation
Definition
The Chistyakov Variation is a sharp line of the Open Tarrasch characterised by an early bishop check:
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 (or 5.Nf3) Nc6 6.Bb5+ …
Named after Russian master Oleg Chistyakov, the plan interrupts Black’s natural development and often induces structural concessions.
Strategic Points
- The check forces Black either to block with …Bd7/…Be6 or to interpose a knight, sometimes losing a tempo.
- White aims for rapid castling and pressure on the half-open e-file.
- Black seeks counter-play via …Nf6, …Bd6, and timely pawn breaks …c4 or …g5.
Theory Snapshot
Notable Games
- Polugaevsky – Tal, USSR Ch. 1969 – Tal uncorked an imaginative exchange sacrifice that still appears in opening manuals.
- Aronian – Vachier-Lagrave, Stavanger 2017 – Modern top-level test leading to dynamic equality.
Interesting Tidbits
- The idea of 6.Bb5+ had been tried sporadically in the 1930s, but Chistyakov’s analyses in the 1950s-60s turned it into a respected weapon—hence the eponym.
- Some databases also label 6.Bb5+ as the Réti Gambit because the early bishop sorties resemble Réti’s themes in other openings.
Eliskases Variation
Definition
The Eliskases Variation is a branch of the Chistyakov line in which Black meets the bishop check with 6…Be6:
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5+ Be6
It is named after Austrian-Argentinian Grandmaster Erich Eliskases, who first employed …Be6 and analysed its strategic virtues in the 1940s.
Why …Be6?
- Develops a minor piece to a natural square while parrying the check.
- Supports the d5-pawn and prepares …Qb6 hitting d4 and b2.
- Keeps the dark-squared bishop flexible for later operations on c5 or d6.
Typical Continuations
- 7.O-O Bd6 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.Nb3 Bd6 – an IQP middlegame in which both sides have active pieces.
- 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Nf6 9.Nb3 Bb6 – Black enjoys harmonious development.
Strategic Guidelines
- Black often castles queenside if White delays dxc5, creating opposite-side attacking chances.
- White may aim for a minority attack with c4-c5 should the queens remain on the board.
Historical & Modern Practice
Eliskases used the line against World Champion Alexander Alekhine in a 1941 exhibition. In contemporary chess, the variation surfaces in the repertoires of solid French specialists such as Pavel Eljanov and Aleksandr Predke.
Interesting Facts
- Erich Eliskases was one of the few players to beat Capablanca, Alekhine, and Fischer—his influence extends well beyond this niche French line.
- The move 6…Be6 was once thought slightly passive; engines now consider it one of Black’s most resilient replies to 6.Bb5+.