French Defense Winawer Advance Petrosian Variation
French Defense
Definition
The French Defense is a semi-closed opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e6. Black immediately prepares to challenge White’s center with …d5 on the next move, aiming for a solid but flexible pawn structure in which the light-squared bishop is temporarily hemmed in behind its own e6–d5–e6 pawns.
Typical move-order
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 ┈ and now White chooses between 3.Nc3 (Classical), 3.Nd2 (Tarrasch), 3.e5 (Advance), 3.exd5 (Exchange) or 3.Bd3/Bb5 (rare sidelines).
Strategic themes
- Counter-punching: Black concedes space but attacks the white center with …c5 or …f6.
- Pawn-chain play: In many branches a locked pawn chain (e5–d4 vs. e6–d5) dictates plans: White attacks on the kingside, Black breaks on the queenside.
- Bad bishop vs. good bishop myth: The c8-bishop is “bad” at first, yet it often emerges later via …b6, …Ba6 or after …c5 …dxc4.
Historical significance
First popularized by French masters in the early 19th century (hence the name), the opening has remained topical at every level. World Champions from Capablanca and Botvinnik to Carlsen have employed it. Its reputation as a fighting yet sound reply to 1.e4 is intact.
Illustrative miniature
Interesting facts
- In the immortal “Najdorf–Fischer, Mar del Plata 1970,” Fischer used the French to beat one of the world’s best French specialists.
- The ECO coding for the French ranges from C00 to C19, reflecting its vast theory.
Winawer Variation (French)
Definition
The Winawer arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4. Named after Polish master Szymon Winawer (1838–1919), the line pins the knight, indirectly pressuring e4 and preparing to damage White’s pawn structure with …Bxc3.
Main branches
- 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 – the Advance (or Main Line).
- 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 – a quieter option.
- 4.Qg4 – the rarely seen Winawer Poisoned Pawn sideline occurs a move earlier than in the main line.
Strategic hallmarks
- Structural imbalance: doubled c-pawns for White vs. the bishop pair for Black.
- Sharp piece play: Both sides often castle on opposite wings, leading to mutual attacks.
- Endgame nuances: The “bad” French bishop can become active after …b6 …Ba6, while White’s pawn majority on the kingside can prevail in endings.
Classic example
Fischer – Uhlmann, Buenos Aires 1960: Fischer uncorked the then-novel 7.Qg4!? and won a brilliant attacking game, inspiring generations to explore razor-sharp Winawer lines.
Trivia
Former World Champion Boris Spassky once quipped, “If you gamble in the opening, play the Najdorf; if you really like danger, play the Winawer.”
Advance Variation (French)
Definition
The Advance arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5. White immediately closes the center, gaining space and a protected e5-outpost while conceding Black the right to undermine the chain with …c5 and …f6.
Typical set-ups
- Classical: 3…c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 (or 4…Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6) chasing the d4 pawn.
- Steinitz (4.Nf3): White delays c3, leaving flexibility for c2-c4 ideas.
- Pseudo-Tarrasch: 3…c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bd3; Petrosian’s favorite.
Strategic considerations
Because the pawn chain points toward Black’s kingside, White often organizes attacks using f4, Qg4 and long-term pressure on the h-file. Black counters by striking the d4/c3 base with …c5, placing rooks on c8/e8, and sometimes executing a timely …f6 break.
Famous game
Botvinnik – Petrosian, Moscow 1956 showcased the Advance’s strategic richness: Botvinnik pressed on the kingside, but Petrosian’s prophylactic defense and counter-punching eventually earned a draw.
Petrosian Variation (in the French Advance)
Definition
The Petrosian Variation is a sub-line of the Advance: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3! Tigran Petrosian introduced 6.a3 in the 1950s to blunt Black’s queenside pressure by preventing …cxd4 …cxd4 …Bb4+ and preparing b2-b4.
Why 6.a3?
- Stops …Bb4+, keeping the d2-square free for a knight in some lines.
- Supports an eventual b2-b4 pawn thrust, gaining space on the queenside and undermining the black queen on b6.
- Gives White a waiting move; Black must choose between …c4, …Nh6, …Nge7 or capturing on d4—each with its own drawbacks.
Key continuations
- 6…Bd7 7.b4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Rc8 – Black retains central pressure but cedes space.
- 6…c4 7.Nbd2 Na5 8.g3 – a complex closed structure reminiscent of the Advance Caro-Kann.
- 6…Nh6 7.b4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 – typical piece play on both wings.
Model encounter
Petrosian – Bobotsov, Moscow 1956 was the debut: Petrosian combined queenside expansion with kingside prophylaxis, restricted Black’s pieces and won a smooth, strategic game.
Strategic essence
The line embodies Petrosian’s philosophy of prophylaxis and incremental advantage: halt the opponent’s counterplay first (…Bb4+, …cxd4) and only then expand.
Interesting nuggets
- Modern engines still consider 6.a3 fully playable; it remains a respected weapon at master level.
- Because both sides often castle kingside, games tend to be slower, maneuvering struggles rather than immediate mating races—quite “Petrosian-like.”