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, Advance Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3
This line arises from the French Defense's Winawer Variation, where Black pins the knight on c3 early with 3...Bb4. After White advances the e-pawn with 4. e5, gaining space in the center, Black challenges White's central control by striking at d4 with 4...c5. White then plays 5. a3 to question the bishop, prompting Black to exchange on c3. The resulting pawn structure, with doubled c-pawns for White, is a key characteristic of this variation.
Characteristic: The Winawer Advance Variation is known for its asymmetrical pawn structure and complex strategic battles. White obtains space and a strong pawn center but accepts structural weaknesses (doubled c-pawns). Black aims to undermine White's center and create counterplay on the dark squares.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this variation is generally attacking, as White uses the advanced e5-pawn to cramp Black's position and tries to build a strong center. Black plays a more counterattacking role, focusing on challenging White's center and exploiting weaknesses created by the pawn structure.
Center Control: Yes, this opening heavily involves fighting for the center. White initially gains space with the e5 advance, while Black immediately contests the center with ...c5 and aims to pressure White's d4 pawn.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.