1.e4
e6
2.d4
d5
3.Nc3
Bb4
The Winawer. By pinning the Nc3 with Bb4, Black is immediately threatening to win the e-pawn.
4.e5
Protecting the e-pawn by pushing it and establishing the central pawn chain so typical of positions in the French Defense.
4...c5
Rather than attacking the head of the pawn chain, black prefers to attack the chain at its base. The theory is simple enough. By attacking the base, both pawns may become weak.
5.a3
Challenging the bishop the moment its retreat is blocked.
5...Bxc3+
6.bxc3
Both sides have made concessions. Black has traded off the valuable dark-squared bishop. White has doubled c-pawns and a "hole" on c4.
6...Ne7
Developing the knight and preparing a counter to Qg4
7.Qg4
Typical in the French (and other openings) in once the dark-squared Bf8 is traded. How best to defend the g7-pawn?
7...Qc7
Probably best. 0-0 runs into Bd3 with the deadly threat of Bh6. ...g7-g6? weakens the dark squares on Black's kingside.
8.Qxg7
Rg8
9.Qxh7
cxd4
The threats are Qxe5+ and especially Qxc3+
10.Ne2
Tal tried Kd1 against Botvinnik. It's an amazing but less preferred alternative!
10...Nbc6
Not ...Qxe5 11.Bf4!
11.f4
Protecting the e5-pawn
11...dxc3
12.Qd3
Bringing the queen back into the battle
12...Bd7
And this is the key position, with three logical candidate moves (Qxc3, Nxc3, and Rb1). In all three lines, white will emerge a pawn ahead which is why many look at the French as a Gambit! *