Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nd2/3...Nf6

Closed Tarrasch C07-C09 French defence → Tarrasch 3...Nf6 · Closed Tarrasch 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 TzermiadianosHow to Beat the French Defence: The Essential Guide to the Tarrasch Tzermiadianos Andreas Everyman Chess 2008 9781857445671 13 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...dxe4 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 all Closed Tarrasch 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4 f6 9. exf6 Nxf6 + 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... ... 7. ... ... 8. ... Nb6 Leningrad variation ++ 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... ... 7. Ngf3 Qb6 8. O-O cxd4 9. cxd4 Nxd4 10. Nxd4 Qxd4 11. Nf3 Qb6 Korchnoi gambit + 4. ... ... 5. ... ... 6. ... b6 7. Ne2 Ba6 8. Bxa6 Nxa6 9. O-O Nc7 Botvinnik variation ++ References See also French Defence