ECO code: C17
Opening Name: French Defense: Winawer Variation, 5.a3 cxd4
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 cxd4
Description: In the Winawer Variation of the French Defense, White’s 5.a3 challenges Black’s bishop on b4, aiming to gain the bishop pair or force Black to decide its position. Black’s response with 5...cxd4 captures a central pawn and opens lines, immediately contesting White’s strong center. This move is characteristic of Black’s counterattacking style in the Winawer, seeking active counterplay rather than passive defense.
Characteristic of the Move: The capture on d4 is a thematic strike in the Winawer that targets White’s central pawn chain and opens the position to favor Black’s piece activity. It often leads to complex pawn structures, requiring precise play from both sides.
Attacking or Defensive Nature: For Black, 5...cxd4 is an attacking move that challenges the center and tries to undermine White’s pawn chain. For White, the move invites counterplay; White typically maintains a dynamic center and can seek attacking chances, but must carefully respond to Black’s pressure.
Center Control: This opening line is very much about contesting the center. White initially builds a strong pawn center with e5 and d4, while Black’s 5...cxd4 directly attacks that center, aiming to destabilize White’s control and create counter-chances.
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: Winawer, 5.a3 cxd4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white