French Defense: Winawer Variation, Retreat Variation
ECO C17
Move order
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Ba5
Ideas
ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.