C15
French Defense: Winawer Variation
Key moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4
The Winawer Variation is the sharpest line in the French Defence. Black pins the knight with ...Bb4, creating immediate tension. After 4.e5, both sides have clear but opposing plans — White gets a strong centre and kingside attack, while Black targets the queenside.
History & Notable Players
Named after Simon Winawer. The Poisoned Pawn variation (7...Qg4) is one of the most deeply analysed positions in chess history. Mikhail Botvinnik was a famous proponent.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
C10 - French Defense: Marshall Gambit747C11 - French Defense: Steinitz Variation1538C12 - French Defense: McCutcheon Variation175C13 - French Defense: Classical Variation93C14 - French Defense: Classical Variation104C16 - French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation263C17 - French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation225C18 - French Defense: Winawer Variation, Warsaw Variation487C19 - French Defense: Winawer Variation, Positional Variation379
Best Games
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Anand,V vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
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Michel, C. vs Ivanchuk, Vassily0-1
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Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1/2-1/2
World Championship 21th 1957Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1/2-1/2
World Championship 20th 1954Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1/2-1/2
World Championship 20th 1954Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail1-0
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World Championship 16th 1935Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Euwe, Max1-0
World Championship 16th 1935Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Euwe, Max1/2-1/2
World Championship 16th 1935Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Euwe, Max1-0
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Lasker, Emanuel vs Tarrasch, Siegbert1-0
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Lasker, Emanuel vs Tarrasch, Siegbert1/2-1/2
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9th Norway Chess 2021 2021