French Defense Tarrasch Open Euwe Keres Line
French Defense
Definition
The French Defense is a semi-closed chess opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e6. Black immediately challenges the center with …d5 on the next move, aiming to undermine White’s pawn on e4 while building a solid pawn chain (e6–d5) that restricts White’s light-squared bishop.
Typical Move-Order
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 is the main tabiya. From here arise three major branches: the Advance (3.e5), the Exchange (3.exd5), and the Tarrasch (3.Nd2) or Classical (3.Nc3). Each leads to very different pawn structures and plans.
Strategic Themes
- Counter-attack vs. solidity: Black often accepts a cramped position in exchange for dynamic central breaks with …c5 or …f6.
- Bad bishop debate: Black’s c8-bishop can become hemmed in by the e6-d5 pawn chain; many French lines revolve around liberating or trading this piece.
- Pawn breaks: …c5 in the center or …f6 on the kingside, and for White the thematic f4–f5 or c2–c4 lever.
Historical Significance
The opening is named after a 1834 correspondence match between a French team (captained by Captain Chamouillet) and the London Chess Club, in which the French side adopted 1…e6 successfully. Over the centuries it has been favored by world champions such as Botvinnik, Petrosian, Korchnoi, and Carlsen.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Interesting Facts
- In 1928 Aron Nimzowitsch famously wrote, “The French leads to a dog fight,” highlighting its sharp, often asymmetrical play.
- Magnus Carlsen used the French Defense to beat Vishy Anand in the 2014 World Championship tiebreak rapid games.
Tarrasch (in Chess)
Definition
“Tarrasch” most commonly refers to Siegbert Tarrasch (1862-1934), a German grandmaster, author, and one of the most influential opening theoreticians of the early 20th century. In opening nomenclature, “Tarrasch” labels variations that embody his strategic principles of rapid development, central control, and the avoidance of passive positions (e.g., the Tarrasch Defense in the Queen’s Gambit or the Tarrasch Variation of the French).
Key Openings Bearing His Name
- Queen’s Gambit Declined, Tarrasch Defense: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 (or 3…Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 c5) leading to an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn).
- French Defense, Tarrasch Variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 where White avoids pin lines with Bb4 and keeps a flexible center.
Contributions to Chess Thought
- Tarrasch popularized the concept of the “open file” and the power of rooks on the seventh rank.
- He championed rapid piece activity over slower pawn grabbing, an attitude later echoed by the Hypermodern school he initially criticized!
Anecdote
Tarrasch’s stern, didactic style earned him the nickname “Praeceptor Germaniae” (Teacher of Germany). He once quipped to a student who placed a knight on the edge: “Knights on the rim are dim,” popularizing a phrase still taught today.
Open (as a Chess Term)
Definition
In chess, the adjective “open” can describe a file, diagonal, position, tournament, or variation. Across all usages it denotes the absence of obstructing pawns or restrictions, resulting in increased piece activity and tactical possibilities.
Primary Usages
- Open File: A vertical column devoid of pawns, ideal for rook or queen infiltration (e.g., a half-open file has only one side’s pawns).
- Open Diagonal: A clear long diagonal—often exploited by bishops (think of the b1-h7 diagonal in many Sicilians).
- Open Position: Few central pawns, abundant lines; knights decrease in value relative to bishops (ex: King’s Gambit after 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4).
- Open Tournament: A competition in which anyone can register, contrasting with invitational round-robins.
- Open Variation: An opening branch where files or center open early, e.g., the “Ruy Lopez, Open.”
Strategic Implications
In open positions piece mobility and tempo are paramount; tactics often dominate. Players must coordinate rooks and bishops swiftly and be vigilant about back-rank and diagonal threats.
Example
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 the Open Ruy Lopez arises. The e-file becomes half-open for both kingside rooks, leading to sharp play.
Euwe
Definition
“Euwe” denotes Max Euwe (1901-1981), the 5th World Chess Champion (1935-1937), mathematician, and prolific author. In openings, several systems are linked to his analytical work, the most relevant here being the Euwe System in the French Tarrasch Open.
Chess Achievements
- World Champion after defeating Alexander Alekhine in 1935; lost the rematch in 1937.
- President of FIDE (1970-1978), guiding the organization through the Fischer–Spassky era.
- Author of the classic “The Road to Chess Mastery” series, demystifying strategy for club players.
Notable Opening Contributions
- Euwe Variation in the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 4.Nf3 b6.
- French Defense, Tarrasch—Euwe Line: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 starting the sequence that will evolve into the Euwe-Keres Line.
Anecdote
Euwe was an amateur by profession—a mathematics teacher and computer pioneer—yet defeated the mighty Alekhine. His scientific approach to openings influenced generations and set a precedent for today’s computer-based preparation.
Keres Line (Euwe-Keres Line in the French Tarrasch, Open)
Definition
The Euwe-Keres Line is a subvariation of the French Defense, Tarrasch Variation, Open System. It arises after:
- e4 e6
- d4 d5
- Nd2 c5
- exd5 exd5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5
Here White pins the knight on c6, pressuring d5 and preparing to rapidly castle while provoking structural concessions.
Strategic Ideas
- Pressure on d5: The pin makes …cxd4 less attractive because the d5-pawn could become weak.
- Bishop pair vs. structure trade-off: Black often chooses between 6…Bd6 (solid) or 6…Nf6 (active), potentially conceding doubled c-pawns after Bxc6.
- Flexible center: White may later play dxc5, c4, or even Re1 and develop a kingside initiative.
Historical Background
The line is named after Max Euwe and Paul Keres, who analyzed and employed it in the 1930s–40s. Keres’s attacking flair popularized the idea of an early Bb5 in numerous openings, including his famous Keres Attack (g4 against the Scheveningen).
Model Game
In Euwe–Keres, Netherlands 1940, the namesake players tested the line; Euwe sacrificed a pawn for rapid development but Keres navigated the complications to a draw.
Interesting Tidbits
- The Euwe-Keres Line is indexed as C06 in ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings).
- Modern engines rate the position around equality, yet it remains a valuable surprise weapon because many French specialists expect 6.c3 or 6.Bb5+ only in the Winawer.
- Grandmasters Adams, Morozevich, and So have all tried the line in the 21st century.