Tree path 7 levels French Defense › Normal Variation › French Defense › Paulsen Variation › French Defense: Winawer Variation › Advance Variation › Smyslov Variation
- Chess Codex
- French Defense C00
- Normal Variation C00
- French Defense C00
- Paulsen Variation C10
- French Defense: Winawer Variation C15
- Advance Variation C16
- Smyslov Variation C19 you are here
French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation, Smyslov Variation
Overview
French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation, Smyslov Variation is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C19), 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 is reached after 13 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 Ne7 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. a4.
The line refines French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation, which traces back to the root opening French Defense.
It continues primarily into one named line, French Defense: Winawer Variation, Advance Variation, Smyslov 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
- C19
- Group
- Open Games (C)
- Plies
- 13
- 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
37,586 games · White 50.4% / Draw 5.9% / Black 43.7%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Qa5 | 13,415 | |
| Nbc6 | 9,241 | |
| Qc7 | 5,976 | |
| b6 | 3,798 | |
| O-O | 2,685 | |
| Bd7 | 812 | |
| cxd4 | 480 | |
| c4 | 433 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:48:46
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