In the main line of the French Defense, White protects the pawn on e4 by moving the Knight to c3. It is a good variation for solid players who are not into aggressive lines, but who do not like fully symmetrical positions like those that arise from the Exchange Variation. The Tarrasch Variation is very popular - although it is not as aggressive as the main line 3.Nc3, it offers chances for White to get a small advantage with safe play. The structure becomes symmetrical, unlike in all other variations of the French, so it is perfect for players who don’t know a lot of opening theory or who prefer strategic battles over tactical ones. In the Exchange Variation, White goes for the most solid and quiet system against the French Defense.

By blocking Black’s pawns on light squares, the Bishop on c8 will have a hard time joining the game, and that is actually one of the main themes in the French Defense.Īlthough it has been more popular before, the Advance Variation is still seen as a solid, yet ambitious option against the French Defense. In the Advance Variation, White’s idea is to gain space in the center. White’s pawn on e4 is attacked, and there are four ways to defend it, which correspond to each of the variations. The French Defense can be divided into four major variations. The French Defense is a solid but cunning opening, and it has been played by some of the greatest chess players in the world. The idea behind the French Defense is that Black plays e6 to prepare to advance d7-d5, in order to immediately challenge White’s pawn on e4. The French Defense is a chess opening in which the following moves are played:

Vienna game defense