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.
French Defense: Winawer Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4
The Winawer Variation is a sharp and dynamic line within the French Defense. By playing 3...Bb4, Black pins the knight on c3, aiming to exert pressure on White's center and provoke structural weaknesses, particularly targeting the d4 pawn indirectly.
Characteristic: This move is known for its combative nature, often leading to imbalanced pawn structures and complex middlegame positions. Black sacrifices the immediate central tension for piece activity and long-term strategic chances.
Attacking or Defensive: As Black, this variation is considered attacking, aiming to challenge White’s center and create counterplay. White, meanwhile, must carefully navigate the tension—often choosing between solid development or aggressive central breaks.
Center Control: The Winawer Variation directly contests the center. Black challenges White's pawn on d4 and uses the pin on the knight at c3 to undermine White's central control, making this opening very much about central tension and control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Winawer Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 69 - Move #5 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Winawer Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.