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 Ne7
This variation arises from the French Defense’s Winawer Variation, where Black challenges White’s center and attempts to create structural imbalances early on. The move 6...Ne7 is characteristic for preparing to support the central and queenside counterplay, often aiming to reroute the knight to better squares like c6 or g6 without blocking the c-pawn.
From White’s perspective, this line is generally attacking, as White gains space in the center with the advance of the e-pawn and looks to maintain a strong pawn chain (d4, e5) while leveraging the bishop pair and central control. Black, on the other hand, adopts a counter-attacking stance, seeking to undermine White’s center by striking with ...c5 and later ...f6 or ...Nc6.
The opening specifically attacks the center, with both sides contesting key central squares. White’s advanced e5 pawn restricts Black’s pieces, but Black’s timely pawn breaks and piece maneuvers aim to challenge and ultimately dissolve White’s central dominance.
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 9 - Move #9 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.