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Chess Openings - French Defense
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Previous position

French Defense

1.e4 e6

The French is a very popular opening. Black prepares d5, but shuts in the Queen's Bishop.

2.d4 d5

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5

The second move for both players is almost forced.

Exchange Variation

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5

This line is the main disadvantage to the French. Subsequent play is drawish.

Advance Variation

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5

Tarrasch Variation

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2

3.Nc3

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3

For more about the 3.Nc3 variations, see Opening Tutorial : French Defense - 3.Nc3 (offsite).

Example game(s)

1954 Moscow Smyslov V. - Botvinnik M. C17
1911 Carlsbad Nimzowitsch A. - Salwe G. C02

(Back to initial position.)