Opening Overview
French Defense
211 linesAbout 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: Tarrasch Variation, Guimard Defense, Thunderbunny Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nc6 4. c3 dxe4 5. Nxe4 e5
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Haberditz Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 f5
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Modern System
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 a6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Morozevich Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Be7
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Guimard Defense, Main Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nc6 4. Ngf3 Nf6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Botvinnik Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 b6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Pawn Center Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation, Main Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Leningrad Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4 Nb6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Chistyakov Defense
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5