Drag a piece to play a move, or pick one from the list. Arrow keys step through the line.
French Defense: Winawer Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4. It is classified C15 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The French Defense answers 1.e4 with 1...e6, preparing to challenge the centre with d5 on the next move. Black accepts a passive light-squared bishop — often called the problem piece, since the pawn on e6 blocks it in — in exchange for a solid pawn chain and clear, reliable counterplay against White's centre.
The defining feature is the pawn chain. White's pawns typically run d4-e5 and Black's e6-d5, and both sides attack the base of the opponent's chain: Black plays c5 and f6, while White expands on the kingside. Positions are usually closed and strategically rich.
Players who like a defined plan from move one and do not mind defending. The French rewards understanding of pawn structure more than it rewards tactics.
This line is a variation within the French Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4.
Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.