French Defense
The French is tough to crack. Black accepts a cramped position and a 'bad' light-squared bishop in exchange for a super-solid structure. The game often revolves around whether White's attack on the kingside crashes through before Black's queenside counterplay arrives.
Key Variations
Mastering the French Defense requires understanding these critical lines. Our repertoire includes 6 curated variations designed to give you a solid foundation.
French Defense - Classical System
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7. Named after the 1834 match where Parisian players used it to defeat London. It is a solid, counter-attacking defense.
French Defense - Winawer Variation
3.Nc3 Bb4
French Defense - Tarrasch Defense
3.Nd2
French Defense - Advance Variation
3.e5. White grabs space immediately. Black counters by attacking the base of the pawn chain on d4.
French Defense - Advance Variation
Solid, closed center battle.
French Defense - Exchange Variation
Symmetrical and open.
Why learn this?
- Improve your opening win rate with top engine lines.
- Understand the "Why" behind moves with detailed explanations.
- Memory drills using Spaced Repetition (SRS).
History
Named after a match between Paris and London in 1834. The French Defense (1.e4 e6) has a reputation for solidity and resilience, favored by positional masters like Botvinnik and Petrosian.
Play Style
Counter-attacking from a solid base. Black locks the center early (usually d5 vs e5) and attacks White's pawn chain at the base (with c5) and the front (with f6).
Famous Players
Note
This content is part of the ChessBotBuddies specific repertoire for the French Defense. Lines may theoretically differ from other sources but are chosen for practical playability.