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, Classical Variation
This opening arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Qc7. The Winawer Variation is known for its asymmetrical pawn structure and dynamic play. Here, Black exchanges the bishop on b4 for White’s knight on c3, doubling White’s c-pawns but giving White strong central control and attacking chances.
The move 6...Qc7 is characteristic of the Classical Variation within the Winawer; Black supports the c5-pawn and prepares to exert pressure on White’s center, especially targeting the d4 pawn. It also develops the queen to a flexible square, connecting Black’s pieces and sometimes preparing ...Ne7 and ...b6.
From White’s perspective, this line is attacking, as White aims to use the advanced e5 pawn and central space to cramp Black’s position and launch a kingside initiative. Black’s approach is more counterattacking, focusing on challenging White’s center and exploiting the structural weaknesses created by the doubled c-pawns.
Overall, this opening strongly attacks the center. White’s pawn on e5 gains space and restricts Black’s pieces, while Black’s moves like ...c5 and ...Qc7 aim to undermine and counterattack White’s central pawns.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Classical Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Winawer Variation, Classical Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.