French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation
The Closed Variation of the Tarrasch French is 3...Nf6, inviting White to push e5 and lock the center. White wants to support the chain with c3 and f4 and attack on the kingside, while Black attacks d4 with ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...Qb6.
- Moves
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6
- ECO
- C05
- Engine
- +0.60 · a slight edge for White (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 2,107 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 52.0%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Push 4.e5 and follow with c3 and f4, as the main engine line does, to build a strong chain.
- Bring the d2 knight to f3 with Ndf3 so d4 gets another defender.
- 4.Bd3 c5 5.e5 Nfd7 6.c3 is a calmer setup where Ne2 supports d4.
- Keep the e5 pawn. It takes f6 from Black's knight and cramps the kingside.
Black
- After 4.e5 Nfd7, strike with ...c5 and add ...Nc6 to pressure d4.
- ...Qb6 attacks d4 and b2 at the same time, as in the top engine line.
- If White plays f4, consider ...f6 later to break up the e5 pawn.
- Trade on d4 with ...cxd4 at the right moment to open the c-file for your rooks.
Plans and pawn structure
This is a classic closed French. White's chain is d4 and e5, backed by c3 and f4. White plans Ndf3, Bd3, Ne2 and a kingside attack. Black's plans are to hit d4 with ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...Qb6 and to play ...f6 against e5. If d4 falls or the chain cracks, Black's pieces flood in. If White holds d4 and e5, Black's light-squared bishop stays passive.
Where the engine's main line heads: French chain: d4–e5 against d5–e6. The French chain: White's pawns on d4 and e5 face Black's on d5 and e6. White has kingside space, Black attacks the base of the chain.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.60: a slight edge for White. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.60 4.e5 Nfd7 5.c3 c5 6.f4 Nc6
- +0.42 4.Bd3 c5 5.e5 Nfd7 6.c3 Nc6
- +0.11 4.Bb5+ c6 5.Bd3 dxe4 6.Nxe4 Qxd4
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
2,107 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.0%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Tarrasch Variation, Leningrad Variation4.e5 · rare
How to play against it
As White, play 4.e5 and follow with c3 and f4. Do not let d4 become weak; bring the d2 knight to f3. Avoid early Bd3 if it allows ...Qb6 and ...cxd4 with pressure on b2 and d4.
Other lines with this name
The lichess opening list also files this line under the same name, though it reaches a different position: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Bd3 c5 6.c3 Nc6.
Questions
What are the moves of the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation?
The French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation starts 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6. Its ECO code is C05.
Is the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.60 at depth 20, which is a slight edge for White. In 2,107 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.0%. A strategic line for Black players who like a closed center, while White needs patience to hold d4 and e5.
What is the main idea of the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation?
White pushes e5 and builds a chain with c3 and f4. Black attacks the base of that chain at d4 with ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...Qb6.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is e5, with Bd3 and Bb5+ close behind. 4.e5 gains space and drives the knight from f6 before Black gets ...c5 in.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.