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: Advance Variation
C02 5 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5
French Defense: Advance Variation
C02 6 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5
French Defense: Advance Variation
C02 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3
French Defense: Advance Variation
C02 8 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6
French Defense: Advance Variation, Euwe Variation
C02 10 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bd7
French Defense: Advance Variation, Extended Bishop Swap
C02 6 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bd7
French Defense: Advance Variation, Frenkel Gambit
C02 7 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. b4
French Defense: Advance Variation, Kupreichik Variation
C02 9 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Be3
French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation
C02 12 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 Nh6
French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line
C02 11 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3
French Defense: Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit
C02 11 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3
French Defense: Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit, Hector Variation
C02 13 plies
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. O-O
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