French Winawer - Play the Armenian Variation by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso
We are excited to announce the release of French Winawer - Play the Armenian Variation, a complete repertoire for Black based on 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4.
This course, authored by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso, provides a high-level, practical, and ambitious system that allows Black to take full control of the game while avoiding the heavily analyzed mainlines.
The focus of this course is on the dynamic and highly respected Armenian Variation. Named after legendary Armenian grandmasters Rafael Vaganian and Smbat Lputian and revitalized in recent years by Levon Aronian, this variation has become a weapon of choice for elite players like Carlsen, Caruana, and Erigaisi. It offers fresh positions, surprise value, and the opportunity for Black to fight for a win from the very start.
Throughout the course, GM Dreev shares his extensive expertise—preparation he has also delivered for multiple 2700+ players. In addition to the Armenian Variation itself (after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Ba5), the course also covers important sidelines like 4.exd5, 4.a3, 4.Nge2, and 4.Bd2, ensuring you are fully equipped against all of White’s options.
What’s Included? ✅ 15 Theoretical Chapters ✅ 30 Interactive Test Positions ✅ Memory Booster to enhance retention ✅ Full Video Version explaining key ideas ✅ Basso’s trademark 15-Minute Repertoire Summary
This project is the first part of a larger French Defense series by the authors. White’s early alternatives to 3.Nc3 and other rare second-move options will be covered in the next installment.
If you're a French Defense player looking for a creative, aggressive, yet reliable system to counter 1.e4, this course is a must-have.
