French Defense
ECO: C00–C19For blacksolidclosede4
Overview
A solid black system against 1.e4. Black plays ...e6 and ...d5, accepting a slightly cramped position in exchange for a rock-solid structure.
Key Ideas
- Accept a slightly cramped position in exchange for a rock-solid structure.
- Look for ...c5 breaks to undermine the d4 pawn.
- Reroute the light-squared bishop — it can be Black's worst piece.
- Aim for queenside expansion in closed structures.
Main Lines
Line 1
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2
3
4
5
6
7
h8
g
f
e
d
c
b
a
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+
Line 2
1
2
3
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h8
g
f
e
d
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a
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7
Line 3
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h8
g
f
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d
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a
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid structure
- Strategic, clear plans
- Less mainline theory than the Sicilian
Cons
- Cramped early on
- The light-squared bishop can be passive
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Related Openings
- Sicilian Defense(B20)
- Caro-Kann(B10)
- Scandinavian Defense(B01)
- Open Games (1...e5)(C20)