French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation position after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1. White: queen on h7, pawn on e5, pawn on a3, pawn on c3, pawn on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, king on d1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, king on e8, rook on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, queen on c7, knight on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on e6, pawn on d5, pawn on d4.
French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1. It is classified C18 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black 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.
Strategic character
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.
Who should play it
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 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation?
The French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1. It is classified C18 in the ECO system. 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.
What are the moves of the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation?
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation, Paoli Variation good for beginners?
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.