French Defense: Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation

Chess openings are an essential part of the game as they help establish control of the board right from the beginning. The French Defense is a popular opening for Black and involves moving the e6 pawn to restrict White's pawn at e4. White then moves the d4 pawn to create space for their pieces. The third move, Nc3, develops a knight and makes room for the bishop to be deployed. Finally, the bishop move to g5 pins the knight at f6 and prevents the pawn from moving to g6. With these moves, White aims to control the center and limit Black's development. The continuation of the game depends on how Black responds to this opening.

Black's response to the move e4 is to play e6, creating a pawn chain that controls the d5 square and aiming to establish a strong position in the center of the board. This move also allows Black to develop their bishop on the c8-h3 diagonal. By playing e6, Black signals their intention to play a defense-oriented game and offers a different approach to the game than other common defenses, like the Sicilian or the Caro-Kann. The French Defense is a solid choice for Black, allowing them to maintain flexibility and adaptability in the opening stages of the game.

White's move d4 in response to Black's e6 opens up space for the light-square bishop while also attempting to control the center of the board. By occupying d4, White's pawn creates a pawn chain that restricts Black's options and aims to prevent their pieces from developing easily. Additionally, the move d4 can lead to a pawn exchange in the center of the board and can create opportunities for White to establish a strong position in the middle of the board. In sum, the move d4 is an important step towards developing White's pieces and establishing control over the early stages of the game.

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation, after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4, Black plays d5 to counter White's control in the center and seize space in the middle of the board. This move forces White to make a decision between exchanging pawns or allowing Black to occupy the center. By playing d5, Black also opens up lines for both their queen and bishop, potentially leading to strong positional play in the later stages of the game. In sum, this move challenges White's early control over the board and signals Black's commitment to a solid and flexible opening strategy.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, White plays Nc3, developing a knight and facilitating the deployment of the light-square bishop. This move also aims to increase control over the center of the board and strengthen White's position. By occupying the d4 square with both a pawn and a knight, White is able to exert more pressure on Black's position, potentially leading to a more favorable position later in the game. Additionally, Nc3 allows White to prepare for future moves, like Nd2 and Ngf3, that further support their development and increase their control over the board.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3, Black plays Nf6, developing a knight and putting pressure on White's pawn at e4. This move also prepares for future moves, like Ng4 or Be7, that allow Black to further assert control over the center of the board. By playing Nf6, Black aims to challenge White's early control over the game and establish a solid and flexible position. Additionally, Nf6 helps defend against potential attacks from White's pieces and creates opportunities for Black to launch counterattacks in the early stages of the game. In sum, Nf6 is an important move in the French Defense that allows Black to establish a strong position and prepare for future strategic moves.

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation, after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6, White plays Bg5 to exert more pressure on Black's position and potentially weaken their pawn structure. By pinning Black's knight to their queen, the move Bg5 limits the options available to Black and can create vulnerabilities in their position. Additionally, Bg5 prepares for future moves, like Qd2 or h4, that support White's development and increase their control over the center of the board. In sum, this move is aimed at pushing Black out of their comfort zone and creating opportunities for White to establish a stronger position in the early stages of the game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5, Black plays Be7 to defend against the potential threats posed by White's bishop on g5. This move also prepares for future moves like 0-0 and dxe4, allowing Black to both castle their king and take control of the center of the board. By playing Be7, Black also frees up their knight at f6, potentially allowing it to advance towards White's queen's pawn or kingside. In sum, Be7 is an important move that aims to counter White's aggression and establish a solid and flexible position for Black early in the game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7, White plays e5 to take control of the center and potentially open up lines of attack against Black's kingside. This move also puts pressure on Black's position, potentially forcing them into a passive defensive mode. By playing e5, White aims to push Black's pieces back and create vulnerabilities in their position. Additionally, e5 allows White to gain space and support the development of their pieces, like the queen and bishop. In sum, this move is aimed at shifting the balance of the game in White's favor and gaining an advantage in the early stages of the game.

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation, after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5, Black plays Ne4 to trade White's strong bishop on g5 and establish a more equal position. This move also takes control of the d4 square and pressures White's pawn chain, potentially leading to more fluid and dynamic play later in the game. Additionally, Ne4 prepares for future moves like Nc6 or f6, allowing Black to further assert control over the center of the board and potentially launch counterattacks against White's position. In sum, Ne4 is an important move that helps Black regain control of the game and set the stage for more strategic plays in later stages of the game.