French Defense Winawer Advance Bogoljubov Variation
French Defense
Definition
The French Defense is a classical reply to 1. e4 that starts with the moves 1…e6. Black immediately prepares …d5, fighting for the center in a characteristic “counter-punching” style rather than occupying it at once. The ECO codes for the French range from C00 to C19.
How It Is Used in Play
After 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, three main branches arise:
- 3. Nc3 (or 3. Nd2) – the Classical lines, including the Winawer.
- 3. e5 – the Advance Variation.
- 3. exd5 – the Exchange Variation.
Strategic Significance
- Black hopes to undermine White’s center with …c5 and …f6.
- The c8-bishop can be a “problem piece,” often rerouting via …b6 or …a6.
- Pawn chains and asymmetrical structures lead to rich strategic play.
Historical Notes
First analyzed in 1834 by the Paris Chess Club—hence “French.” Marshal Philidor called 1…e6 “the best reply to the King’s Pawn” long before it became fashionable in tournament practice.
Illustrative Game
Short–Timman, Tilburg 1985: a classic Winawer duel ending in a crisp mating net.
Interesting Facts
- The French is the only major 1…e6 opening; after 1…e6, virtually all other logical continuations transpose into French structures.
- Bobby Fischer rarely faced the French because opponents feared his thorough preparation—even so, he scored 80% against it.
Winawer Variation (French Defense)
Definition
The Winawer begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4, pinning the c3-knight and pressuring the e4–pawn. Named after Polish master Szymon Winawer, it is one of the sharpest branches of the French.
Main Ideas
- Black accepts structural weaknesses (doubled c-pawns) in exchange for dynamic counterplay and long-term dark-square pressure.
- The critical choice arises on move 4:
4. e5 (the Advance) or 4. exd5 / 4. a3.
Strategic Themes
- Battle for the central pawn chain: …c5, …Nc6, and …f6 breakpoints.
- Opposite-side castling is common, leading to mutual pawn storms.
- The light-squared bishop often settles on a6, d7, or b5 to hit the c4-square.
Classic Example
After 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3, we reach the position that lays the groundwork for the Bogoljubov Variation (see below).
Historical Tidbits
- Anand, Carlsen, and Korchnoi have all used the Winawer as a surprise weapon in World Championship cycles.
- In the 1960s, the Soviet school debated Winawer structures intensely; the monograph by Suetin & Maroczy was a bestseller among Russian club players.
Advance Variation (French Defense)
Definition
The Advance Variation occurs after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5. White closes the center immediately, grabbing space but surrendering the chance to exchange the e-pawn.
Plans for Both Sides
- White: Maintain the space wedge, support d4 with c3, and expand on the kingside with f4-g4-h4.
- Black: Counter with …c5 and …f6 breaks; develop the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain via …b6 or …a6 & …Bd7-a4.
Key Set-ups
The traditional piece placement for Black is …Nc6, …Qb6, …Bd7, and sometimes …Nh6–f5 heading to d6 or g4.
Illustrative Miniature
Nimzowitsch – Saemisch, Copenhagen 1923: a textbook space-cramping victory for White.
Bogoljubov Variation (Winawer Advance)
Definition
The Bogoljubov Variation is a sub-line of the Winawer after the Advance: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne7. By delaying …Nf6, Black keeps the f-pawn free for a later …f6 break and sidesteps certain tactical lines involving Bg5.
Strategic Nuances
- Flexible Knight: The g8-knight often reroutes via f5–d6 or h6–f5.
- Dark-Square Control: Black prepares …b6 and …Ba6 to exchange the “bad” bishop.
- Delayed Castling: Either side may castle long, leading to double-edged play.
Historical Background
Named after Efim Bogoljubov, World Championship Challenger (1929 & 1934). Bogoljubov unveiled the line in the late 1920s, seeking fresh ideas against Capablanca’s beloved Winawer setups.
Modern Example
Najer – Morozevich, Russian Ch. Sup. 2015 followed the main line 7. Qg4 Qc7 8. Qxg7 Rg8 9. Qxh7 cxd4! and Black’s initiative ultimately decided the game.
Typical Continuations After 6…Ne7
- 7. Qg4 Qc7 8. Qxg7 Rg8 9. Qxh7 – razor-sharp, pawn-grabbing main line.
- 7. Nf3 Qa5 8. Bd2 Qa4 9. dxc5 – calmer, positional approach.
- 7. a4 b6 8. Bb5+ Bd7 9. Bd3 – “French hedgehog” setup.
Fun Facts
- The structure with pawns c5–d5–e6 vs. c3–d4–e5 often transposes into positions resembling the Benoni, but with colors reversed.
- Computer engines originally disliked 6…Ne7, but neural-net evaluations have revived it; modern players such as Alireza Firouzja and Yu Yangyi include it in their repertoires.