French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation

French Defense is a popular opening in chess, and Tarrasch Variation is one of its variations which starts with e4. This move is played to control the center and to open up lines for the queen and bishop. By pushing e4, white also gains control over the d5 square and can potentially advance their pawn to d5 in the future. This variation is called Eliskases Variation after Erich Eliskases, an Austrian grandmaster who used it in his games.

Black plays e6 in response to e4 as a way to control the center and prevent white from advancing their pawn to e5. This move allows the black pawn to support the d5 square, which can later be occupied by a black knight. Additionally, e6 prepares for the development of the black bishop to either d6 or e7, where it can assist in controlling the center and potentially attacking white's position. In sum, e6 is a solid move by black that aims to gain and maintain control over the center of the board.

White plays d4 in response to e6 as a way to challenge black's control over the center of the board. By advancing the d-pawn, white's aim is to establish a strong pawn presence in the center and potentially open up lines for their queen and bishop. The move also aims to put pressure on black's e6 pawn, which can become a target for future attacks. Playing d4 is a common move in many openings as it helps in controlling the center of the board and preparing for the development of the remaining pieces.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation, Black plays d5 in response to d4 as a way to actively contest white's control over the center of the board. By advancing the d-pawn, Black gains a space advantage and puts pressure on White to make a move. The move also helps to open up lines for Black's bishop on c8 and potentially lead to active piece play. Playing d5 is a common move in the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense and can often lead to a tense and tactical game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, White plays Nd2 as a way to provide support for the c4 square and prepare for the deployment of the light-squared bishop. The knight also helps control the center and prepares to move towards an advantageous position in the future. By placing the knight on d2, White also protects the pawn on e4 and allows for potential pawn pushes on the f3 or c3 squares. In sum, the move Nd2 is a flexible choice that allows White to continue developing without committing to any fixed pawn structure.

In response to 3. Nd2, Black plays c5 as a way to contest White's control over the center of the board. By advancing the c-pawn, Black gains space and opens up lines for the queen and bishop. The move also puts pressure on the d4 pawn and potentially restricts the movement of White's knight on d2. Playing c5 is a common move in the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense and can lead to sharp and tactical play. In sum, the move c5 allows Black to take an active approach and gain counterplay against White's position.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation, White plays exd5 in response to c5 as a way to open up the position and gain control over the center. By capturing with the pawn, White also gains control over the d5 square and potentially restricts the movement of Black's pieces. The move can lead to doubled pawns for Black, which can be both a strength and a weakness depending on the position. Additionally, the move exd5 can also help to develop White's pieces, such as the queen or knight, by opening up potential lines of attack. In sum, the move exd5 is a common choice in this variation and can lead to a complex and dynamic game.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5, Black plays Qxd5 as a way to regain control over the central d5 square and also simultaneously hit the pawn on d4. By capturing the pawn with the queen, Black opens up attacking lines against White's position while also potentially threatening the safety of White's king. Playing Qxd5 is a common move in this variation of French Defense and is often met with continued pressure from White. Additionally, capturing with the queen also allows black to further develop their pieces and potentially prepare for an attack against White's position.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5, White plays Ngf3 as a way to develop their knight and put pressure on the black queen. The move also helps to control the central d5 square and potentially prepare for the advancement of the f-pawn. Additionally, the knight can potentially threaten black's e7 pawn if not protected. Playing Ngf3 is a common move in this variation of French Defense and can lead to a complex game. In sum, the move continues White's development while also keeping pressure on Black's position.

In the French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation, Black plays cxd4 in response to 5. Ngf3 as a means of releasing the tension in the center and opening up lines for the bishop on c8. By capturing with the c-pawn, Black also potentially gains a passed pawn on the d4 square and puts pressure on White's knight on f3. The move cxd4 can also potentially lead to a symmetrical pawn structure, where both sides have pawns on d4 and d5. Playing cxd4 is a common and natural move in this variation and can lead to a complicated and tactical game. In sum, the move allows Black to further develop their pieces while also gaining more control over the center of the board.

After the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4, White plays Bc4 as a way to develop a piece and put pressure on Black's position. The move also supports the pawn on e4 and potentially threatens the f7 pawn. Additionally, the bishop can exert control over the d5 square and potentially help in controlling the central areas of the board. Playing Bc4 is a common choice in this variation of the French Defense and can lead to tactical complications if Blacks responds in an inaccurate manner. In sum, the move Bc4 is an active move that aims to increase the pressure on Black's position and continue White's development.

In response to 6. Bc4, Black plays Qd8 as a way to free up the square for the light-squared bishop and also potentially prepare for castling. The queen can also be used to provide support to the d5 pawn and potentially prepare for attacking White's position. Additionally, the move Qd8 can help to evacuate the queen from potential tactical threats from White's bishop on c4. Playing Qd8 is a common and natural move in this variation of the French Defense and allows Black to continue developing their pieces while also preparing for further tactical play. In sum, the move Qd8 is a flexible choice that aims to improve Black's position while also increasing their options for future moves.