French Winawer: 6...Qc7 7.Qg4 f6
French: Winawer, 6...Qc7 7.Qg4 f6
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Qc7 7.Qg4 f6 defines one of the sharpest branches of the French Defence, Winawer Variation. It is often called the “Winawer Poisoned-Pawn with …f6” because Black invites White to grab the g-pawn but immediately strikes at the spearhead e5-pawn with …f6, hoping to undermine the centre before White’s king-side initiative becomes overwhelming. ECO code: C18.
Typical Move-order
- e4 e6
- d4 d5
- Nc3 Bb4 (Winawer Variation)
- e5 c5
- a3 Bxc3+
- bxc3 Qc7 (6…Qc7 pins the c-pawn and prepares …Ne7, …Ne7–f5 or …cxd4.)
- Qg4 f6 (Black breaks the pawn chain immediately; alternatives are 7…Ne7 and 7…Kf8.)
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Plan
- Challenge the e5-pawn with …f6; if 8.exf6 Nxf6, Black regains the f-pawn with active pieces.
- Open the centre quickly (…cxd4, …e5) before White finishes development.
- Accept structural weaknesses (isolated h- and g-pawns) in return for rapid piece play.
- Castle long or keep the king in the centre depending on circumstances.
- White’s Plan
- Exploit the semi-open g-file and Black’s loosened king-side dark squares.
- Maintain the advanced e5-pawn to cramp Black; often support with f4 or cxd4.
- Develop quickly with Nf3, Bd3, Ne2-f4, castle long and launch a pawn storm (h4-h5).
Critical Continuations
The main theoretical split appears after 8.Nf3:
- 8.Nf3 cxd4 9.Bb5+ Kf7 10.O-O – the most popular line; Black keeps the extra pawn for the moment but lags in development.
- 8.Nf3 c4 – a dynamic attempt to lock the queen-side and play …f5 next.
- 8.exf6 Nxf6 9.Qg3 Qe7 followed by …Ne4 is a completely different pawn structure in which Black has repaired the centre.
Historical Background
The idea of combining 6…Qc7 with an early …f6 was championed by Alexander Alekhine in the late 1920s, decades before the Najdorf “Poisoned Pawn” became famous. During the 1970s–80s, Viktor Korchnoi and later Vassily Ivanchuk used the line to great effect, keeping it alive at the top level. Modern engines confirm that the variation remains playable even though the positions are razor-sharp and demand accurate preparation from Black.
Illustrative Games
-
Alekhine – Rabinovich, USSR Championship 1927
A pioneering effort in which Alekhine demonstrated the attacking potential after 7.Qg4 f6.
-
Korchnoi – Psakhis, Soviet Ch. 1980
Shows the thematic exchange sacrifice on f6 and the mutual king safety issues.
-
Caruana – Ding Liren, Candidates 2020
Modern top-level example where Black equalised comfortably, proving that the line is still in fighting shape with precise play.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Queen Traps: after Qxg7, the white queen can be hunted with …Qxg7, …Kf8, …Qxg7 ideas.
- e6-e5 Break: if Black regains e5, the bishop on c8 becomes an attacking monster.
- Greek Gift: Bxh7+ sacrifices occur frequently when Black castles short too soon.
- Exchange Sacrifice Rxf6: White often opens lines against the black king at the cost of the exchange.
Current Assessment
Engine analysis rates the position after 7…f6 as roughly equal (≈0.00 to +0.30 for White) but with huge practical chances for both sides. Black must know concrete lines; White must be ready for counter-sacrifices on f6 and in the centre.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation is sometimes nicknamed the “Alekhine Gambit” inside Winawer circles.
- When asked why he adopted such risky lines with Black, Korchnoi replied, “I like to play against my own king; he is my toughest opponent.”
- The pawn on g7 is called “the poisoned pawn’s little cousin” among French aficionados, referencing the famous Najdorf counterpart.