French Tarrasch: Closed, 8...f6 9.exf6, 11...Qc7
French: Tarrasch
Definition
The Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense arises after the moves
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2.
White’s third move protects the e4-pawn and avoids the pin …Bb4 seen in the Winawer. The line is named after Siegbert Tarrasch (1862-1934), an influential German grandmaster and writer who championed the move.
Key Ideas and Strategic Themes
- Flexibility for White: By keeping the king’s knight undeveloped, White can later choose Nf3, Ne2, or even f4–f5 depending on Black’s setup.
- Isolating Black’s Queen’s Bishop: Because the c8–bishop is often hemmed in by the e6-pawn, Black frequently plays …c5 and …Nc6 to counterattack in the center.
- The “French IQP” Structure: After the typical sequence 3…Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. c3 c5 6. Bd3, an isolated queen’s pawn for Black can result if he captures on d4 at the wrong moment.
- Endgame Appeal: Tarrasch himself preferred endings; the variation often leads to symmetrical structures where endgame skill is rewarded.
Main Black Replies on Move 3
- 3…c5 – the Open variation (entering IQP structures).
- 3…Nf6 – the Rubinstein.
- 3…Be7 – the Closed Tarrasch (covered in the next section).
Historical Significance
Dr. Tarrasch advocated bringing pieces to active squares with minimum pawn moves. His variation was a practical application of that philosophy, and it remains a popular anti-French weapon at every level.
Notable Games
- Fischer – Uhlmann, Interzonal 1967: Fischer used 3.Nd2 to defeat the renowned French expert in a model attacking game.
- Carlsen – Anand, World Championship 2014, Game 6: Carlsen chose 3.Nd2 to steer play into quieter waters, eventually grinding out a rook ending.
Trivia
Capablanca and Tarrasch Debates: In pre-World-War-I chess magazines, Capablanca criticized 3.Nd2 as “unambitious,” prompting spirited rejoinders from Tarrasch. A century later, the line is still one of the most respected anti-French systems.
Closed (as a Positional Concept & as a French Tarrasch Sub-Variation)
General Definition
A closed position is one in which the pawn structure locks the center, limiting piece mobility and favoring long-term maneuvering over immediate tactics. Pawn levers (break moves) are critical resources for both sides.
Closed Tarrasch (French Defense)
When annotators write “French: Tarrasch, Closed,” they normally refer to the line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. c3 c5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4.
After 8…f6 (the next definition) the position is strategically closed until one side successfully opens it with a pawn break.
Strategic Hallmarks of Closed Positions
- Piece Re-routing: Knights usually shine because they can hop over blockaded pawn chains (e.g., Nf3–g5–e6 in many French structures).
- Space Advantage: The side with more territory often enjoys greater piece flexibility but must beware of pawn breaks.
- Timing the Break: “Whoever opens the position on favorable terms is better.” In the French, Black’s key breaks are …c5 and …f6, while White eyes f4–f5 or c4.
Example Diagram
Visualize the locked chain d4-e5 vs. d5-e6. The only open file is the c-file; both sides maneuver behind their pawns preparing breaks.
Anecdote
In the 1974 Candidates match, Korchnoi spent over 40 moves in a Closed Tarrasch maneuvering his knights back and forth before finally unleashing …f6, showing textbook patience.
8...f6 9.exf6 (French Tarrasch Break)
Definition
After the moves
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. c3 c5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4,
Black often plays the pawn break 8…f6. The most critical reply is 9.exf6, capturing en passant and opening the f-file.
Purpose of …f6
- Undermine e5: By attacking the pawn chain’s base, Black hopes to eliminate White’s central space advantage.
- Activate the c8-bishop: If the e5-pawn disappears, the bishop can emerge to g4 or h5.
- Create Dynamic Imbalance: The resulting positions often feature opposite-side castling or an isolated e-pawn for Black in exchange for the two bishops.
Typical Continuations After 9.exf6
- 9…Nxf6 10. O-O Bd6 11. Nf3 O-O – Black regains the pawn with comfortable development.
- 9…Qxf6!? – a sharper line where Black keeps queens on the board and aims for …Bb4+.
Model Game
Uhlmann – Gligorić, Skopje 1972: Black’s timely …f6 eliminated White’s space advantage, and the legendary Yugoslav grandmaster converted a minor-piece ending.
Interesting Fact
Computer engines once evaluated …f6 with suspicion, but modern neural-network engines (Leela, NNUE-Stockfish) have restored its reputation, often showing near equality with precise play.
11...Qc7 (Multi-Purpose Queen Manoeuvre)
Definition and Typical Position
In many French Tarrasch structures the move …Qc7 appears around move 11. A representative sequence is:
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. c3 c5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4 f6 9. exf6 Nxf6 10. O-O Bd6 11. Nf3 Qc7.
Strategic Aims of …Qc7
- Pressure on h2 and the c-file: The queen eyes h2 along the diagonal c7-h2, supporting potential …Bxh2+ sacrifices.
- Supporting …e5 Break: In some lines Black reroutes the d-7 knight to f8–g6, preparing …e5.
- Connecting Rooks: Once the queen vacates d8, rooks can occupy d8 and f8, enhancing central control.
- Avoiding Tactics on the d-File: With the queen on d8, White might gain a tempo by playing Bb5+. Moving to c7 steps out of pins.
Historical Example
Sveshnikov – Short, Soviet Championship 1983
Short neutralized White’s pressure by calmly playing …Qc7, then doubled on the f-file and won after a timely …e5.
Alternative Placements
- …Qb6: Played earlier (often on move 7) to hit d4 and b2 but can be met with Nb3.
- …Qa5: An older idea preventing b4 but sometimes misplaces the queen.
- …Qe7: Keeps an eye on e5 but blocks the f-rook.
Anecdote
Legend has it that Viktor Korchnoi considered 11…Qc7 “the most French of moves,” remarking during a post-mortem that “no other opening lets your queen do so much by moving so little.”