Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nd2/3...Nf6
| Closed Tarrasch | |
|---|---|
|
a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h | |
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) | |
| Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 | |
| ECO code: C07-C09 | |
| Parent: French defence → Tarrasch | |
3...Nf6 · Closed Tarrasch
[edit | edit source]3...Nf6 is the most tactical option for black. He doesn't play for a solid position but prefers to complicate matters with dynamic play. Very interesting positions arise, with rich play and fascinating ideas for both sides.
―IM Andreas Tzermiadianos[1]
For those Black players who don't want to play with an isolated d-pawn (at least: not yet), the 3....Nf6 variation is a good alternative to 3....c5.
Black has two attackers on e4 to White's one defender, and even if White adds another (e.g. 4. f3?), 4...exd4 will simultaneously open up another attack on White's undefended d pawn.
Therefore 4. e5 is essentially the only move. This closes up the position, takes space and forces Black to move their knight again.
4. Bd3 is playable, but transposes after 4...c5 5. e5. Otherwise 5. c3!? cxd4 6. cxd4 dxe4 7. Nxe4 Nxe4 8. Bxe4 Bb4+ equalises for Black.
Theory table
[edit | edit source]1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Tarrasch | e5 Nfd7 |
Bd3 c5 |
c3 Nc6 |
Ne2 cxd4 |
cxd4 f6 |
exf6 Nxf6 |
⩲ | ||
| Leningrad variation | ... ... |
... ... |
... ... |
... ... |
... Nb6 |
± | |||
| ... ... |
... ... |
... ... |
Ngf3 Qb6 |
O-O cxd4 |
cxd4 Nxd4 |
Nxd4 Qxd4 |
Nf3 Qb6 |
⩲ | |
| Botvinnik variation | ... ... |
... ... |
... b6 |
Ne2 Ba6 |
Bxa6 Nxa6 |
O-O Nc7 |
± |
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Tzermiadianos, Andreas (2008). "13". How to Beat the French Defence: The Essential Guide to the Tarrasch. Everyman Chess. ISBN 9781857445671.
See also
[edit | edit source] | Wikipedia has related information at French Defence. |