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The French Tarrasch variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2) has a great reputation as a positionally sound response to 1…e6 with plenty of bite.
By developing the Knight to d2 White retains the possibility of protecting the d4 pawn with c3 when Black attacks it with …c5. However, the Knight does block in our Queen’s Bishop, at least temporarily, meaning we have to have a clear plan of development.
In his 5h 40m course “The French Tarrasch: A repertoire for White”, Tarrasch devotee IM Lawrence Trent tackles this and all other strategies related to this great opening, ensuring you know exactly what you’re doing every step of the way.
A potentially tough line to play against is the Fort Knox variation where Black exchanges in the center with 3…dxe4 and after 4.Nxe4 plays …Bd7. When playing this way, Black states his intention to establish a very solid structure and invite White to try to beat him. The difficulty of this task led to the “Fort Knox” name. It should be noted, however, that Black gives himself few chances of getting a win – he’s basically playing for a draw with some hope that White makes a mistake along the way.
In this preview, Lawrence recommends a new way of playing for an advantage against the French Tarrasch: Fort Knox variation with 8.Ned2! a funny looking backwards move again blocking the Bishop’s development. However, the idea behind this is to avoid exchanges (which would help Black) and cement a Knight on e5 which will prove a real thorn in Black’s position.
Enjoy the preview and check out the full course if you want to know more about beating the French Tarrasch.