French Defense
A solid and resilient response to 1.e4 that leads to rich positional battles. Black accepts a cramped position for counter-attacking chances.
White claims the center with the King's pawn.
The French Defense! Black prepares d5, creating a solid but fighting structure.
White stakes a claim in the center.
Black immediately challenges White's center.
The Tarrasch Variation - White develops and protects e4 without blocking the Queen.
Black develops and attacks e4. Also possible: 3...c5 (main line).
The most theoretical and sharp variation. Black pins the Knight, leading to complex positional battles.
AnalyzeWhite avoids the pin, developing the Knight to a safe square. Leads to positional play.
AnalyzeBlack develops the Knight, attacking e4. A solid choice with good piece play.
AnalyzeWhite advances immediately, creating a space advantage. Black must find counterplay.
AnalyzeA calm line where White simplifies. Often leads to IQP structures.
AnalyzeMaster the French with Pro
Save French Defense variations to your repertoire and practice with spaced repetition.
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Understand the French Defense, not just the moves
The defense took its name from an 1834 correspondence match between teams from London and Paris. Its defining feature is the locked e5-d4 versus e6-d5 pawn chain.
Black attacks the base of White's center with ...c5 and often ...f6. White uses the space advantage to build a kingside attack while supporting d4.
Ask at the board: Which pawn break matters first: Black's ...c5 or White's f4-f5?
Black's bad bishop only becomes permanent if ...c5 and ...f6 are delayed; White often overprotects e5 while allowing the d4 base to collapse.
Interactive model line
Step through the position, drag pieces to test alternatives, then open the same line in Stockfish.
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5Analyze this line with Stockfish