French Defense
The French Defense meets the king-pawn opening with e6 and a supported d5 challenge. Black challenges White's center with a supported d-pawn, often accepting less space for a clear pawn structure. Advance, Exchange, Tarrasch and Winawer positions differ in the role of the light-squared bishop and the central pawn breaks.
Opening moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5
White’s plan
Use central space without leaving the pawn chain unsupported. Develop and react to pressure against d4 before beginning a kingside attack.
Black’s plan
Attack the pawn chain with c5. A later f6 break needs preparation; find an active role for the light-squared bishop.
Ideas behind the moves
e6
Prepare a supported central pawn break. The light-squared bishop will need a plan.
d5
Challenge e4 with the supported d-pawn.
c5
Advance the c-pawn to c5. This changes which central squares the pawn can influence.
Three mistakes to watch for
- Attacking the head of a pawn chain while ignoring its base.
- Leaving the light-squared bishop without a useful plan.
- Playing f6 automatically before checking king safety and central tactics.
An example practice line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6
This is one study continuation. Your opponent can choose other replies; learn the plan as well as the moves.
A tactical example
Mating net after 11.Bxf6
After 11.Bxf6, Black has a forced mate in 2. Start from this real-game position and calculate the finish. The earlier game moves are context, not a recommended repertoire.
This trap depends on a specific opponent mistake. It is not a guaranteed win from the opening.
Variations to explore
Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit, Sørensen Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4 Bd7 8. O-O Nxd4 9. Ng5
Practice this line →French · Exchange
Practice this line →Tarrasch Variation, Chistyakov Defense, Modern Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4 6. Bc4 Qd6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Nb3 Nc6 9. Nbxd4 Nxd4 10. Nxd4 a6
Practice this line →Winawer Variation, Poisoned Pawn Variation
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne7 7. Qg4 cxd4 8. Qxg7 Rg8 9. Qxh7 Nbc6
Practice this line →
Common questions
What is French Defense?
French Defense is a chess opening. One standard move order is 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.