French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation

The French Defense is a popular opening for black characterized by the moves e6 and d5. White responds to d5 with the move e4 to control the center. This move allows White to put pressure on black's position and prepare for pieces deployment. By controlling the center, White can open lines for his pieces and restrict Black's mobility. In the Tarrasch Variation, White follows up with the move Nd2, defending the e4 pawn. Botvinnik Variation, on the other hand, continues with e5, forcing the knight to retreat. In sum, e4 is a critical move in the French Defense as it sets the tone for the rest of the game, putting pressure on Black's position and allowing White to control the center.

Black plays e6 in response to White's opening move e4 to control the square d5, which is a central square. The move e6 supports the pawn on d5 and prepares for the moves d5 and f5, controlling the center and limiting White's mobility. Also, e6 helps Black to develop the bishop on c8, which will be aimed towards the white squares. This pawn structure creates a pawn chain that supports each other and strengthens the black position. In summary, e6 is a key move in the French Defense, as it prepares for the crucial advance d5 and strengthens the pawn structure.

White plays d4 to take control of the central squares and challenge Black's pawn on e6, which supports Black's pawn on d5 and controls the center. This move also opens lines for the queen and bishop and prepares for the development of the knight. Additionally, d4 advances a fully supported pawn to the center and creates a pawn chain that can be used to control space. By playing d4, White aims to gain space and restrict Black's pieces' mobility. In summary, d4 is a vital move in the French Defense as it strives to control the center, increase White's mobility, and limit Black's possibilities.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation, Black wants to play d5 to strike back in the center and gain space. This move aims to challenge White's pawn on d4 and control the central squares. Moreover, d5 releases the potential of Black's light-squared bishop, which can now be developed to challenge White's pieces. Additionally, this move helps to gain mobility for Black's pieces, which were previously restricted by the e6 pawn. By playing d5, Black is taking control of the center and challenging White's initiative. In summary, d5 is a dynamic move in the French Defense and an essential idea in Black's strategy to wrestle control of the center.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, White wants to play Nd2 to protect the pawn on e4 and control the central squares. The knight on d2 also supports the advanced pawn on e5 in some variations. Additionally, the knight on d2 clears space for the bishop on c1, which can be developed to control the long diagonal and support the pawn push a2-a4. This move is not only defensive but also prepares whites' army for a swift kingside or queenside deployment. By playing Nd2, White aims to counter Black's initiative, prepare for the development of the remaining pieces, and control the key central squares.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2, Black wants to play Nf6 to develop the knight, protect the pawn on d5, and eye the pawn on e4. This move also prepares for the pawn push f7-f6, safeguarding the king and controlling the center. The knight on f6 can also be used to support a future pawn push e6-e5, further solidifying the center and challenging White's pawn on d4. Additionally, Nf6 gives Black an option to castle kingside, as the knight protects the g7-square. By playing Nf6, Black aims to improve its position, gain more space, and prevent White's bishop from developing to the ideal square on d3.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation, White wants to play e5 to create a pawn duo in the center and take more space. This move aims to gain a foothold in the enemy's position and push back Black's pieces. Additionally, e5 opens up lines for the white bishop on c1 and threatens to capture the knight on f6, which supports the pawn on d5. By advancing its pawn to e5, White aims to gain more control over the center and limit Black's options. It also helps to put pressure on Black to find a suitable reply promptly. In summary, e5 is an aggressive pawn push in the Tarrasch Variation and one of the significant strategies for White to counter Black's pressure in the center.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5, Black wants to play Nfd7 to bring the knight back into the game and defend the pawn on d5. This move also prepares for the pawn push f7-f6, kicking the e5-pawn and limiting White's control over the central squares. Additionally, Nfd7 frees up the square f8 for the King's bishop and avoids potential exchanges on the c6-square, which can otherwise weaken the pawn structure. By playing Nfd7, Black aims to safeguard its position, reduce White's control over the center, and prepare for a more comfortable game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7, White wants to play Bd3 to develop the bishop and eye the Black King's position. This move also prepares for the pawn push f2-f4, which can gain space and limit Black's mobility. Additionally, Bd3 aims to control the long diagonal, which can put pressure on the kingside in the future. The bishop on d3 also targets a potential weakness on the Black King's position, and this can be used to gain an advantage. By playing Bd3, White aims to improve its position, gain control over the central and diagonal squares, and put pressure on Black's position.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation, Black wants to play c5 to challenge White's hold on the central squares and gain more space and mobility. This move also opens up lines for Black's pieces and prepares for the potential break d5-d4, which can further push back White's pieces. Additionally, c5 puts pressure on the pawn on d4 and can lead to a favorable exchange for Black. By playing c5, Black aims to gain additional control over the center, limit White's mobility, and prepare for a more active game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5, White wants to play c3 to defend the d4-pawn, limit Black's options, and control the center. This move aims to neutralize Black's pawn push, c5, and prevent the potential break, d5-d4. Additionally, c3 prepares for the knight's development on c2 or d3, where it can eye the central squares and support the pawn push, d4. The pawn on c3 also helps to avoid potential exchanges on the d4-square, which can weaken the pawn structure. By playing c3, White aims to strengthen its position, limit Black's activity, and prepare for the development of the remaining pieces.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3, Black wants to play b6 to develop the bishop on c8 and prepare for a potential fianchetto on the long diagonal. This move also puts pressure on the central pawns, limiting White's control over the key squares. Additionally, b6 can prepare for the exchange of the c5-pawn, which can lead to an imbalance in the position. By playing b6, Black aims to improve its position, gain territory, and prepare for the later stages of the game.