French Defense: Winawer Variation, Kondratiyev Variation

Chess players are always on the lookout for the most effective way to gain control of the board early on in the game. One strong strategy is to occupy the center with pawns. This is why the move e4 is so powerful - it controls four key squares in the center of the board. With the pawn on e4, white's pieces have more potential mobility and can put more pressure on black's position. Of course, this also means that black must be prepared to defend themselves against the powerful influence of e4. One way to do this is through the French Defense, a popular opening that begins with e6 and d5. From there, the Winawer Variation is a tempting possibility for black, as are other variations such as the Kondratiyev Variation, both of which aim to undermine white's position from the start.

When Black responds to 1. e4 with e6, they are setting the stage for the French Defense. The idea behind this move is to control the d5 square and potentially prevent White from occupying it with a pawn. Additionally, e6 allows Black's dark-squared bishop to develop to a strong position on either d6 or f8. Although e6 weakens Black's pawn structure slightly, it can also provide a solid foundation for their position and limit the scope of White's pieces. Ultimately, e6 is a flexible move that gives Black several options to continue the game.

When White plays d4 after 1. e4 e6, they are attempting to challenge Black's control over the central d5 square. By playing d4, White is putting their own pawn in the center, and forcing Black to react. This move creates a pawn chain with e4 and d4 pawns, which can restrict Black's pieces and limit their options for development. It also allows White's dark-squared bishop to potentially become active on the c4-g8 diagonal. In sum, d4 is a common and strong move in response to e6 that helps to establish White's central presence in the game.

In the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Kondratiyev Variation, Black wants to play d5 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4. This move represents an attempt to challenge White's pawn chain and to establish Black's own presence in the center of the board. By playing d5, Black is releasing pressure on their pawn on e6 and creating counterplay. Additionally, d5 can open lines for Black's pieces and potentially allow their queen and bishop to become more active. In sum, d5 is a common and strong move in the French Defense that helps Black to gain space and fight for control of the board.

When White plays Nc3 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, their intent is to develop their knight and put pressure on Black's d5-pawn. By playing Nc3, White can potentially attack the pawn with their other pieces, or force Black to defend it, which can limit their options for further development. In addition, Nc3 prepares to play moves like Nb5, which can create threats against Black's queen or bishop. In sum, Nc3 is a natural move that allows White to continue their development and put pressure on Black's position.

When Black plays Bb4 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3, they are playing the Winawer Variation of the French Defense. The idea behind Bb4 is to attack White's knight on c3, which can put pressure on White's pawn structure and force them to make a decision about how to proceed with their knight. Additionally, Bb4 develops Black's bishop to a strong diagonal and can potentially pin White's knight or queen to their king, creating tactical opportunities. Although Bb4 can lead to early exchanges and give up some central control for Black, it can also create dynamic and active play for both sides. In sum, Bb4 is a sharp and ambitious move in the Winawer Variation.

In the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Kondratiyev Variation, White wants to play Bd3 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4. The purpose of Bd3 is to protect the pawn on e4 while developing the bishop to a strong diagonal. This move also prepares to castle kingside and potentially create a strong pawn chain. By playing Bd3, White can also put pressure on Black's knight on c6 and limit their options for development. In sum, Bd3 is a flexible and natural move that allows White to continue developing their pieces while fortifying their position.

When Black plays c5 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd3, they are aiming to strike back at White's center and gain space on the board. By advancing the c-pawn, Black can potentially create threats against White's pawns on d4 and e4, forcing White to either defend them or exchange them. Additionally, c5 opens lines for Black's queen and bishop, creating more potential active play for their pieces. However, playing c5 can also leave Black's pawn structure vulnerable and potentially create weak squares on the board. In sum, c5 is a dynamic and ambitious move that creates potential for tactical opportunities for both sides.

When White plays exd5 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd3 c5 , they are immediately reacting to Black's move, which puts pressure on White's central pawn at d4. By capturing with exd5, White can potentially simplify the position and exchange some pieces, which can relieve some pressure on their position and create a more open board. Additionally, exd5 can open lines for White's queen and rooks, which can become more active. However, exd5 also creates an isolated pawn on d5 for Black, which can potentially become a powerful threat as the game progresses. Furthermore, exd5 can leave White's own pawn structure weakened. In sum, exd5 is a double-edged move that creates both opportunities and risks for both sides.

In the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Kondratiyev Variation, Black wants to play Qxd5 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd3 c5 5. exd5. The idea behind Qxd5 is to regain the pawn that White captured on d5 and create a more equal pawn structure. Additionally, Qxd5 can put pressure on White's knight on c3, potentially forcing it to retreat or be exchanged. With their queen on d5, Black's pieces have more freedom to move and potentially create threats against White's position. However, Qxd5 can also put Black's queen in a vulnerable position and potentially lead to tactical opportunities for White. In sum, Qxd5 is a dynamic move that creates potential for active play for both sides.

When White plays Bd2 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd3 c5 5. exd5 Qxd5, they are attempting to move their bishop out of harm's way and develop their pieces. This move also prepares to castle kingside, which can help White to protect their king and create a more secure position. Furthermore, by playing Bd2, White can potentially put pressure on Black's pawn at c5, making it more difficult for Black to maintain their central presence. However, Bd2 can also create a weakness on the d2-h6 diagonal, where Black's pieces could potentially create threats against White's king. In sum, Bd2 is a solid move that supports White's development and prepares their position for the middle game.