French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation (C07)

The Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation is a variation of the French Defense, catalogued as ECO C07. The line runs 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White 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.

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French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation — position after Qd8 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e6
2d4d5
3Nd2c5
4exd5Qxd5
5Ngf3cxd4
6Bc4Qd8

ECO: C07

Stockfish: +0.35 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related French Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation?

The Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation goes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8. It is a variation of the French Defense and is catalogued as ECO C07.

What is the ECO code for the Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation?

The Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation is ECO C07. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the French Defense.

Is the Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8 at +0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.