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, Chistyakov Defense, Modern Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Nb3 Nc6 9. Nbxd4 Nxd4 10. Nxd4 a6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Eliskases Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd8
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Euwe-Keres Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. Ngf3
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Shaposhnikov Gambit
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Nf6
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Süchting Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. c3
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Advance Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 c4
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Ngf3 Nc6
French Defense: Hecht-Reefschläger Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nc6
French Defense: Marshall Gambit
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 c5
French Defense: Paulsen Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3