Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nc3/3...Bb4/4. e5/4...c5/5. a3/5...Bxc3/6. bxc3/6...Qc7

Winawer variation C18 Winawer variation 6...Qc7 · Classical variation Black develops the queen to the c-file, which may be opened up soon with cxd4. However, Blacks kingside still isn't developed, which can be exploited by White. /7. Qg4/ is the main line and Whites most aggressive response. Here we see the second use of Black's previous move: Black can defend the g-pawn with 7...f6 or 7...f5, both of which open up the queens vision of the g-pawn. Alternatively, Black can play 7...Ne7, which transposes into the Poisoned pawn variation. White can also go for a more positional approach with 7. Nf3, where it is more important to grasp the general ideas of the opening rather than hard lines. White can attack on the kingside with h2-h4-h5, while Black will try to trade the light-squared bishops with b6 followed by Ba6. White generally tries to get as much as possible out of this trade, usually using a combination of Bb5+ and a4 to take back with the a-pawn, placing it on the b5 square to restrict Blacks pieces. Theory table 7. Qg4 f5 8. Qg3 Ne7 7. ... ... 8. Qh4+ g6 9. Qd1 7. ... f6 8. Nf3 c4 Poisoned pawn variation 7. ... Ne7 8. Qxg7 Rg8 7. Nf3 Ne7 References See also French Defence