French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bd3
4… c5−0.22
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation (C11), reached after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bd3, Stockfish 18 recommends 4… c5 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.22).
Top engine moves
- −0.224… c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Nf3 d4 8. Ne2 Bg4 9. Bd2
- +0.404… Nxe4 5. Nxe4 dxe4 6. Bxe4 c5 7. Nf3 Nd7 8. Be3 Nf6 9. Bd3
- +0.424… dxe4 5. Nxe4 Nbd7 6. Nf3 c5 7. Be3 Nxe4 8. Bxe4 Nf6 9. Bd3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation?
After 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bd3, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4… c5 for Black, continuing 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Nf3 d4 8. Ne2 Bg4 9. Bd2. The position is roughly equal (−0.22). The next best moves are 4… Nxe4 (+0.40) and 4… dxe4 (+0.42).
Is the French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.22: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation?
C11. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).