French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation

French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation is a variation of French Defense and is considered as one of the most solid options against e4. It starts with 1.e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. exd5. The variation is named after the Swedish player, Gunnar Svenonius, who used it to defeat World Champion Anatoly Karpov in 1979.

This variation is characterized by black allowing white to have a pawn center while focusing on piece development and control of the central squares. It leads to a symmetrical pawn structure and provides black with good counterattacking chances on the queenside.

One of the strengths of this opening is that it gives black a solid position to work from while offering several options for continuation. It can lead to either closed or open positions depending on white's moves.

However, a major weakness of this variation is that black allows a pawn on d5 which can later become a target for white's pieces. Additionally, the move Nc3 by white can lead to a dangerous Ng5 attacking the f7 pawn.

In sum, the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation is an interesting option for black, but it requires good knowledge and understanding of both positional and tactical play.

French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation, move by move

e4

-0.15

The move e4 is a central pawn move that aims to control the center of the board and enable the development of the bishop. This move also puts pressure on Black's position as it threatens to attack the pawn on d5 and gain more space on the board. By playing e4, White hopes to gain an advantage in the game by controlling the center and restricting Black's options.

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e6

+0.45

Black responds to the move e4 with e6, which is a defensive move that prevents White's pawn from advancing further and occupying the d5 square. This move also prepares for the development of the bishop and allows Black to control the d5 square by playing d5 himself later on. By playing e6, Black also aims to restrict White's options and slow down their attack, making it easier for him to defend and eventually counterattack.

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d4

+0.11

The move d4 is a central pawn move that aims to challenge Black's control over the d5 square, and gain more space on the board. By playing d4, White also prepares to develop the queen's knight and the queen's bishop while putting pressure on Black to respond. This move also aims to open the position and create lines of attack for White's pieces, putting Black on the defensive and allowing White to dictate the pace of the game. By playing d4, White hopes to gain an advantage in the center and put pressure on Black's position.

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d5

+0.61

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation, Black responds to White's move d4 with d5, which is a central pawn break that aims to challenge White's control over the center of the board. By playing d5, Black also aims to gain space and open up lines of attack for his pieces, while putting pressure on White's pawn on d4. This move helps Black to equalize the position and frees his bishop, allowing it to develop and improve the coordination between his pieces. Additionally, by playing d5, Black aims to restrict White's possible pawn movements and prepare for a potentially counterattacking strategy.

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Nc3

-0.15

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, White plays Nc3, which is a natural developing move that aims to control the central squares and prepare for the development of the other pieces. This move also puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5, making it more difficult for him to maintain control over the center. By playing Nc3, White also prepares to connect his knights and improve the coordination of his pieces, which is essential for any effective attacking or defensive strategy later on in the game. Finally, by playing Nc3, White also leaves the possibility open of later playing for a pawn break in the center with moves like e5 or c4 to try to gain an advantage.

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Nc6

+0.91

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3, Black responds with Nc6, which is a natural developing move that aims to protect the d5 pawn and prepare for future pawn pushes like c5. By playing Nc6, Black also aims to challenge White's control over the center, and put pressure on White's knight on c3, while developing his own pieces in the process. This move also prepares for the potential exchange of knights and the possibility of doubling White's pawns. Additionally, Nc6 can be used as a springboard for a future counterattack, as the knight on c6 can jump to d4 or to b4, attacking White's position and potentially winning material.

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exd5

0

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation, White responds to Black's move Nc6 with exd5, which is an exchange that helps to relieve the pressure on White's knight on c3 while forcing Black to recapture with the pawn, creating a pawn structure where Black's pawn on d5 is isolated. This move also opens up the e-file, potentially allowing White to bring the rook into the game towards the center. By playing exd5, White gains control of the e5 square, hindering Black's potential pawn push. Additionally, this move can potentially create weaknesses in Black's position, such as the backward pawn on d6. Finally, by playing exd5, White can potentially gain a lead in development and increase his control over the center of the board.

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How to play the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation

French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. exd5.

Black should focus on piece development and control of the central squares, while allowing white to have a pawn center.

It is recommended to castle kingside and put pressure on white's pawn center with moves like c5 and Qb6.

Black should be aware of the dangers of the Ng5 threat and the pawn on d5 becoming a target.

With a solid position and flexible continuation options, this variation can lead to both closed and open positions.

How to counter the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation

French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation can be countered by challenging the pawn center with moves like c4 and e5.

White can try to exploit the d5 pawn, so black should try to remove the pressure with moves like c6 or Ne7.

It is important to be aware of the potential Ng5 threat and to not allow white to create a strong pawn chain.

White can try to create an initiative on the queenside, so black should be vigilant to not fall into traps and keep control of the center.

With good play, white can neutralize black's counterattacking chances and create an advantage.

Pawn structure in the French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation

In French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation, the pawn structure is symmetrical with both sides having a pawn on e6/d6 and c7.

White has a centralized pawn on d4 which can become a target for black's pieces.

Black has allowed white to have a pawn center, which can give more space and control to the first player.

However, this pawn structure allows for counterattacking opportunities on the queenside and can lead to a dynamic game.

Both sides must be aware of the potential pawn breaks and pawn captures in the center to gain a positional advantage.

The papachess advice

French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation is a solid opening that provides black with a good counterattacking game. The symmetrical pawn structure, in this opening, allows for flexible continuation options that can lead to both closed and open positions. However, the possibility for white to exploit the d5 pawn and create a dangerous initiative puts pressure on black to play accurately. With proper play, white can try to neutralize black's counterattacking chances and aim for an advantageous position.

This opening requires a good understanding of both positional and tactical play and can be classified as moderately difficult.

It is important to be aware not only of black's potential pawn breaks but also of white's move Ng5 threat.

Although it is not the most popular variation of French Defense, Svenonius Variation is a strong choice for the player who wants to challenge white while still remaining solid.

In this opening, pawn structure plays an essential role in creating strategic opportunities and weaknesses.

To counter this opening, white must keep in mind not to let black establish a firm control of the central squares. Challenging the pawn center can lead to a more open game.

In sum, French Defense: Classical Variation, Svenonius Variation is a fascinating opening that can lead to sharp, dynamic games.