ECO code: C00
French Defense: Horwitz Attack
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. b3
The Horwitz Attack in the French Defense is an uncommon and offbeat continuation where White opts to fianchetto the queenside bishop early with 2.b3. This move aims to support control over the central dark squares, particularly the critical e4 and d5 squares, from a distance rather than contesting the center immediately with pawns.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of 2.b3 is its hypermodern approach—White delays direct central occupation and instead prepares to influence the center with the bishop from b2. It is somewhat provocative, inviting Black to take the center while White prepares counterplay.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this move is more strategic and flexible than outright attacking; it leans toward a positional, hypermodern style rather than immediate aggression. Black’s setup in the French is typically solid and defensive, but here Black is encouraged to take the center more freely.
Center Control: White does not immediately challenge the center with pawns but aims to exert pressure indirectly via the fianchettoed bishop. Black usually occupies the center with pawns, while White plans to undermine and attack it later.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Horwitz Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 18 - Move #4 black