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 7. a4
This line arises from the Winawer Variation of the French Defense, where Black challenges White’s center early with ...c5 and exchanges the dark-squared bishop on c3 to double White's c-pawns. White's move 7.a4 is characteristic for gaining space on the queenside and preventing Black’s potential ...b5 pawn break.
Characteristics of the move 7.a4: It is a positional move aimed at restricting Black’s queenside counterplay. By stopping ...b5, White seeks to maintain pressure and space advantage on that flank.
Strategic nature: As White, this opening is generally attacking and focused on controlling the center with pawns on d4 and e5, while also expanding on the queenside. Black’s approach is more counterattacking, targeting White’s center with pawn breaks like ...c5 and ...f6 later on.
Center control: Yes, this opening strongly contests the center. White establishes a pawn wedge on e5 to gain space, while Black aims to undermine this center with timely pawn breaks and piece pressure.
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.