French, Tarrasch Variation: Open, Euwe Variation (C09)

The Open, Euwe Variation is a variation of the French, Tarrasch Variation, catalogued as ECO C09. The line runs 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 Nc6 6. Bb5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six moves. The e-file file is fully open.

On the French, Tarrasch Variation generally: White plays 3.Nd2 instead of 3.Nc3, keeping the c-pawn free to advance. A flexible, positional approach to the French Defense.

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.

French, Tarrasch Variation: Open, Euwe Variation — position after Bb5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 Nc6 6. Bb5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e6
2d4d5
3Nd2c5
4exd5exd5
5Ngf3Nc6
6Bb5

ECO: C09

Stockfish: +0.33 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related French, Tarrasch Variation lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Open, Euwe Variation?

The Open, Euwe Variation goes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 Nc6 6. Bb5. It is a variation of the French, Tarrasch Variation and is catalogued as ECO C09.

What is the ECO code for the Open, Euwe Variation?

The Open, Euwe Variation is ECO C09. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the French, Tarrasch Variation.

Is the Open, Euwe Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 Nc6 6. Bb5 at +0.33 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 Open, Euwe Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move. The e-file file is fully open.