Tree path 5 levels French Defense › Normal Variation › French Defense › Exchange Variation › French Defense: Exchange Variation
C01

French Defense: Exchange Variation

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Overview

French Defense: Exchange Variation is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C01), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Open Games group covers open games — classical 1.e4 e5 openings where both sides contest the centre directly with pawns.

It begins with 7 plies and takes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. Nc3 to reach the canonical position.

The line refines French Defense: Exchange Variation, which traces back to the root opening French Defense.

It continues primarily into one named line, Bogoljubow Variation.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
C01
Group
Open Games (C)
Plies
7
Parent
French Defense: Exchange Variation
Direct variations
1

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

5,791,425 games · White 45.0% / Draw 5.3% / Black 49.7%

MovesGamesW / D / B
Nf63,401,778
c6978,281
Bb4351,644
Nc6220,535
Be6200,918
c5188,551
Bd6165,261
h684,394

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:36:09

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Variations (1)