French Defense: Classical Variation (C14)

The Classical Variation is a variation of the French Defense, catalogued as ECO C14. The line runs 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the French Defense generally: A solid defense where Black builds a strong pawn chain. Leads to strategic middlegames with clear plans.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre
• White development lead

Related French Defense lines

• Classical Variation, Frankfurt Variation
• Classical Variation, Richter Attack
• Classical Variation, Tartakower Variation
• Classical Variation, Vistaneckis Variation
• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, Alapin Variation
• Classical Variation, Pollock Variation
• Classical Variation, Rubinstein Variation
• Reversed Philidor Formation
• St. George Defense, Traditional Line
• Exchange Variation, Bogoljubow Variation
• Exchange Variation, Svenonius Variation

See all 115 French Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation?

The Classical Variation goes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. Bg5. It is a variation of the French Defense and is catalogued as ECO C14.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation?

The Classical Variation is ECO C14. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the French Defense.

Is the Classical Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. Bg5 at +0.17 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.