Opening Overview

French Defense

211 lines
black repertoire

About This Opening

Black challenges the center with a compact pawn chain and counterpunching chances.

These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.

The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.

Key ideas
  • Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
  • Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
  • Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
  • Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.

Choose a variation

French Defense: St. George Defense, Three Pawn Attack
C00 5 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 a6 3. c4
French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line
C00 12 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 a6 3. Nf3 b5 4. Bd3 c5 5. c3 Bb7 6. O-O Nf6
French Defense: Steiner Variation
C00 3 plies
1. e4 e6 2. c4
French Defense: Steinitz Attack
C00 3 plies
1. e4 e6 2. e5
French Defense: Two Knights Variation
C00 5 plies
1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nc3
French Defense: Wing Gambit
C00 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e5 c5 4. b4
French Defense: Exchange Variation
C01 5 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5
French Defense: Exchange Variation
C01 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. Nf3
French Defense: Exchange Variation
C01 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. Nc3
French Defense: Exchange Variation, Bogoljubow Variation
C01 10 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Bg5 Nc6
French Defense: Exchange Variation, Monte Carlo Variation
C01 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. c4
French Defense: Exchange Variation, Svenonius Variation
C01 9 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. exd5 exd5 5. Bg5
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