French Defense: Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation
The Delayed Exchange Variation of the Winawer is 4.exd5, trading pawns while Black's bishop already sits on b4. Black usually recaptures 4...exd5 for a symmetrical center, while White develops with Bd3 and can gain the bishop pair after a3.
- Moves
- 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5
- ECO
- C15
- Engine
- +0.13 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 781 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 50.8%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- After 4...exd5 5.Bd3, develop and use a3 to ask the bishop on b4 to decide.
- Ne2 keeps the c-pawn free and can answer the doubled pawns with c3 and Ng3 later.
- If Black plays 4...Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 exd5, use Qh5 to pressure f7 and d5.
- Castle quickly; the e-file is open and checks there can be annoying.
Black
- Recapture 4...exd5 and develop with ...Nf6 and short castling, as the top engine line shows.
- Trade on c3 when White plays a3 to give White doubled c-pawns.
- Avoid 4...Qxd5, which brings the queen out early and lets White gain time with Ne2 and Bf4.
- Put a rook on the open e-file once castled.
Plans and pawn structure
The center becomes symmetrical with an open e-file. White's two bishops can be useful after a3 and bxc3, but the doubled pawns are a long-term weakness. Black castles and puts a rook on e8, and may play against c3. White develops with Bd3 and Ne2, castles and seeks kingside play with the bishops. The game is calmer than the main Winawer.
Where the engine's main line heads: White has doubled c-pawns. White's c-pawns are doubled, usually after ...Bxc3 bxc3. In return White keeps the bishop pair and a solid center.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.13: level. Its three top choices for Black:
- +0.13 4...exd5 5.Bd3 Nf6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3
- +0.71 4...Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 exd5 6.Bd3 Ne7 7.Qh5
- +0.76 4...Qxd5 5.Ne2 Nc6 6.Bf4 Nf6 7.a3
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
781 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 50.8%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Winawer Variation, Exchange Variation, Canal Attack4...exd5 · rare
How to play against it
As Black, recapture 4...exd5 and develop with ...Nf6. Do not take on c3 too early without reason, and avoid 4...Qxd5. Castle and use the e-file.
Questions
What are the moves of the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation?
The French Defense: Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation starts 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5. Its ECO code is C15.
Is the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation good for White?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.13 at depth 20, which is level. In 781 lichess games from our sample, White scored 50.8%. A low-risk choice for White players who dislike Winawer theory, and a comfortable line for Black who knows to recapture with the pawn.
What is the main idea of the French Defense: Winawer Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation?
White avoids the sharp e5 lines by trading on d5. Black recaptures with the e-pawn and develops normally, while White hopes to gain the bishop pair.
What should Black play next?
The engine's first choice is exd5, with Bxc3+ and Qxd5 close behind. 4...exd5 keeps a solid center and frees the c8 bishop.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.