1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. b1c3  3... f8b4 [%cal df8b4][%c_arrow f8b4;keyPressed;none;from;f8;opacity;0.8;to;b4;persistent;false] The French Winawer is always fun to watch when played in the elite. This controversial variation, which has fanatical supporters, was played in the famous first game of the match between Capablanca and Alekhine, ending in victory for Black and meaning that Capablanca no longer played the king's pawn in the match. 4. e4e5  4... c7c5  5. a2a3  5... b4c3  6. b2c3  6... g8e7  7. d1g4  7... d8c7  8. f1d3 A dangerous move and a viable alternative to the more popular 8.Qxg7. I remember seeing some beautiful victories by Judit Polgar in this line when I was a teenager in the 90s. This move is the one recommended by GM Negi in his excellent book collection with a repertoire for White. 8... c7a5 I didn't know this move. 8...cxd4 and 8...c4 are usually played. 9. c1d2  9... c5c4  10. d3e2 A typical French Winawer position with its slow game character, without an immediate attack for anyone and in which White always seems to have an advantage. 10... h8g8 [%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Interesting;persistent;true] 11. a3a4 [%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A thematic and useful move, gaining space and opening the diagonal for a future Bc1-a3 maneuver. It's important to play it before Black can place the queen on a4. 11... b8c6 A new move. 12. g1f3 [%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] The computer is very critical of this development. White has several alternative plans. 12... c8d7  13. e1g1  13... h7h6 [%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preventing a knight move to g5. 14. f1b1  14... e8c8  15. b1b5  15... a5c7 White has no time to play the desirable Bc1-a3 because Black is playing …f7-f6. 16. g4f4  16... g7g5 [%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rapport is not the type of player that is afraid of sacrificing pawns. 17. f4f7 