French Defense: Tarrasch Variation - Open System & Süchting

French Defense: Tarrasch Variation

Definition

The Tarrasch Variation is a branch of the French Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2. With 3.Nd2 White avoids the immediate pin …Bb4 found in the Winawer and keeps the option of supporting the e-pawn with f2–f3. The line is named after Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch, who employed it at the turn of the 20^th century.

Typical Move-Order

After 3.Nd2 Black has a choice of replies, each leading to a distinct sub-system:

• 3…c5 – Main line (Tarrasch Main / Open System)
• 3…Nf6 – Rubinstein Variation
• 3…Be7 – Guimard Variation
• 3…h6, 3…a6, 3…Nc6 – rarer sidelines

Strategic Ideas

• Flexibility for White: The knight on d2 does not block the c-pawn, so c2–c4 or c2–c3 is possible later. White can also support e4 with f2–f3, preparing a central pawn roller.
• Less theory, many structures: Because Black can choose among several pawn structures (French isolani, IQP, closed structures, or symmetrical), the variation is a good practical weapon for players who like variety.
• Development issues for Black: The light-squared bishop on c8 remains a problem. Some lines, such as the Open System, allow it out to g4 or f5, while others leave it hemmed in.

Historical Significance

Tarrasch used the system with success against contemporaries such as Janowski and Blackburne. In the late 20^th century it was revived by Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov and more recently by players like Vishy Anand and Wesley So, who appreciate its solid yet dynamic nature.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature shows how quickly Black can falter if unprepared:

White exploits the over-extended queen and weak dark squares.

Interesting Facts

• During the 1984–85 Karpov vs. Kasparov World Championship, the Tarrasch appeared six times; neither player managed to crack it decisively, underscoring its solidity at the highest level.
• Computers evaluate many Tarrasch positions as roughly equal, but human play often favors the side with the better bishop (usually White’s light-squared bishop on d3 or b5).

Open System (in the Tarrasch Variation)

Definition

The Open System refers to the continuation 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5, resulting in a symmetrical, IQP-free pawn structure with an open e-file and minor-piece activity for both sides.

Key Position

Both sides have completed development quickly and the resulting middlegame resembles a Tarrasch-style Queen’s Gambit in reverse, hence the name.

Strategic Themes

1. Piece Activity Outweighs Structure: With no central tension, both sides race to occupy open lines and dynamic squares.
2. Hanging-Pawns Possibility: After …c5-c4 or c2-c3, the structure can transform into hanging pawns on c- and d-files, giving one side space and the other targets.
3. Light-Squared Bishop Freedom: Black’s c8-bishop often emerges to g4 or f5 rather than being stuck behind the e-pawn, solving a traditional French headache.
4. King Safety: Because the center is open, casting early—often short—is mandatory for both players.

Typical Plans

• White: Rapid development with Ngf3, Bb5, dxc5, Qe2, 0-0-0 in some cases; pressure on d5 and control of the e-file.
• Black: Timely …Nc6, …Nf6, …Bd6, and sometimes the break …c4 to gain space and clamp down on d3.

Historical & Practical Use

The Open System was popularized by Savielly Tartakower and later adopted by World Champions such as Botvinnik and Petrosian when playing Black. In modern practice Grandmasters like Michael Adams and Le Quang Liem still wheel it out as a low-maintenance drawing weapon with latent winning chances.

Famous Game

Kasparov – Short, Linares 1993 is a textbook demonstration of how White can squeeze a small edge in the Open System before unleashing a kingside attack.

Trivia

• Because it avoids the notoriously sharp 4.Ngf3 lines, the Open System is sometimes humorously dubbed the “French Exchange without the handshake.”
• Engines rate the starting position of the Open System at roughly +0.20 for White—minuscule, but enough for professionals to press without risk.

Süchting Line

Definition

The Süchting Line is a sub-variation of the Tarrasch Open System characterized by the early check on b5: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Bb5⁺. It is named after German master Hans Süchting (1877-1916), who introduced the idea in tournament play circa 1905.

Main Line Moves

After the check, White often follows with Qe2⁺ to force …Be7, thereby slightly misplacing Black’s bishop before resuming normal development.

Strategic Purpose

• Tempo Gain: The check compels Black to commit the queen’s-side bishop (usually …Bd7) before beginning piece play, giving White a free move for development.
• Piece Placement: If Black replies 5…Nc6, the knight blocks the c-pawn and can later be a tactical target after dxc5.
• Psychological Surprise: The line is relatively rare, so even well-prepared French specialists may be forced out of book early.

Typical Ideas for Each Side

• White
  • Exchange on c5 to create an isolani for Black.
  • Rapid kingside castling followed by Re1, Nf1–e3, and central pressure.
  • Occasional queenside castling with a pawn storm (a2–a4–a5).
• Black
  • Return the bishop to d6 or e7 and aim for …Nc6, …Nf6, and …Re8.
  • Advance the queenside majority with …c4, fixing White pawns on dark squares.
  • Position the queen on f6 or h4 to eye the kingside light squares.

Notable Games

• Süchting – Schlechter, Ostend 1906: The inventor’s upset win against the world-title challenger highlighted the line’s attacking promise.
• Karpov – Korchnoi, Moscow 1973: A high-level draw where Karpov employed 5.Bb5⁺ to sidestep Korchnoi’s deep preparation in the Rubinstein.

Fun Facts

• Because the idea is a single early bishop check, many databases list it as a “side-line,” yet it scores well over 55% for White in master play.
• Hans Süchting was also a strong correspondence player; the line’s subtle positional nature reflects his fondness for long-range planning.
• Modern engines consider the position after 5.Bb5⁺ fully viable for Black, but the psychological value of forcing an early decision makes it a practical weapon.