Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. Introduction to the Closed Variation
1. e4After 1. e4We play ♟е7-е6 with the aim of undermining the center on the next move ♟d7-d5
1... e62. d4After 2. d4We play ♟d7-d5, undermining White's pawn center
2... d53. e5After 3. e5The starting position of the Closed Variation of the French Defense. White seizes space to attack on the ♚ kingside, while we prepare pawn breaks on the ♛ queenside. We play ♟с7-с5, undermining ♟d4
3... c5
After 4. c3Black to move. At the board4. c3After 4. c3White builds a pawn chain, keeping ♟d4 protected. We bring ♞b8-c6 into play, increasing the pressure on White's center.
4... Nc65. Nf3After 5. Nf3We bring ♛d8-b6 into play, taking aim simultaneously at both ♟d4 and ♟b2.
5... Qb66. Be2After 6. Be2One of the most popular development ideas: White wants to castle as quickly as possible. We wanted ♞g8-e7-f5, but after ♟d4xc5 followed by ♟b2-b4 + ♝c1-e3 we can become very cramped. Therefore, we exchange first with ♟с5xd4!
6... cxd4After 7. cxd4Black to move. At the board7. cxd4After 7. cxd4And now we play ♞g8-e7 with a subsequent maneuver to f5, attacking ♟d4
7... Nge78. O-OAfter 8. O-OWhite were so eager to castle quickly that they overlooked our threats. We play ♞e7-f5, inevitably winning ♟d4
8... Nf59. Nc3After 9. Nc3We capture the pawn — ♞f5xd4, with this very knight!
9... Nfxd410. Nxd4After 10. Nxd4We capture the knight in reply — ♛b6xd4, solidifying White's material losses
After 10... Qxd4White to move. At the board10... Qxd4
2. Frequent gain of two pawns
1. e4After 1. e4We play ♟е7-е6 with the idea of undermining the center on the next move ♟d7-d5
1... e62. d4After 2. d4We play ♟d7-d5, undermining White's pawn center
2... d53. e5After 3. e5Starting position of the Closed Variation of the French Defense. White gains space to attack on the ♚ flank, while we prepare pawn breaks on the ♛ flank. We play ♟с7-с5, undermining ♟d4
3... c5After 4. c3Black to move. At the board4. c3After 4. c3White builds a pawn chain, keeping ♟d4 protected. We bring ♞b8-c6 into play, increasing pressure on White's center.
4... Nc65. Nf3After 5. Nf3We bring ♛d8-b6 into play, simultaneously targeting both ♟d4 and ♟b2.
5... Qb66. Be2After 6. Be2One of the most popular development ideas: White wants to castle as quickly as possible. We would like ♞g8-e7-f5, but after ♟d4xc5 followed by ♟b2-b4 + ♝c1-e3 we could be badly squeezed. Therefore we first exchange ♟с5xd4!
6... cxd4After 7. cxd4Black to move. At the board7. cxd4After 7. cxd4And now we play ♞g8-e7 with the subsequent maneuver to f5, attacking ♟d4
7... Nge78. O-OAfter 8. O-OWhite were so eager to castle quickly that they forgot about our threats. We play ♞e7-f5, inevitably winning ♟d4.
8... Nf59. Be3After 9. Be3Reinforcing with ♟d4 leads to losing control of ♟b2. We capture the pawn — ♛b6xb2!
9... Qxb210. Nbd2After 10. Nbd2We play ♛b2-c3, attacking ♝е3 and at the same time preparing a possible retreat ♛c3-a5-d8 in case of potential attacks
10... Qc3After 11. Rc1Black to move. At the board11. Rc1After 11. Rc1A direct attack is clearly not to White's advantage, as we consolidate our advantage: we play ♞f5xe3, forcing White to capture in response
11... Nxe312. fxe3After 12. fxe3We capture the pawn — ♛c3xe3, giving check to the White king
12... Qxe3+13. Kh1After 13. Kh1Accepting the pawn sacrifice via ♞c6xd4 would weaken our ♚, which White could exploit by giving check with ♝e2-b5 after the exchange of knights. Therefore we play ♝f8-a3, developing the piece and gaining a tempo while preparing to castle.
13... Ba314. Rc2After 14. Rc2All that's left is to castle, sending the ♚ further away from the action in the center of the board. Black has as many as two extra pawns with no substantial compensation for White.
After 14... O-OWhite to move. At the board14... O-O
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.