ECO code: C06
Opening Name: French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed, 8...f6 9.exf6, 11...Qc7 12.Bg5
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4 f6 9. exf6 Nxf6 10. O-O Bd6 11. Nf3 Qc7 12. Bg5
Description: This line in the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense features a strategic battle over the central squares, particularly the light squares and d4. Black’s move 8...f6 aims to challenge White’s strong pawn center and open lines for active piece play. After the exchange on f6, White’s development with 12.Bg5 pins the knight on f6, increasing pressure on Black’s position and preparing potential tactical threats.
Characteristic of 12.Bg5: This move is a typical thematic pin in many French Defense lines, targeting Black’s knight on f6 to restrict its mobility and indirectly pressure Black’s center and king position.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, 12.Bg5 is an attacking move aiming to increase control and create tactical opportunities. For Black, the position remains defensive but with counterattacking chances as Black seeks to undermine White’s center.
Center Control: This opening fights intensively over the center. Both sides contest key central squares, with Black challenging White’s strong pawn center while White tries to maintain and exploit central space.
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: Tarrasch, Closed, 8...f6 9.exf6, 11...Qc7 12.Bg5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #37 black