Learn the French Defence
A rock-solid reply to 1.e4: Black builds a firm pawn chain, accepts a slightly cramped light-square bishop, and counterattacks the centre with ...c5 and ...f6.
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Strategic ideas
Black challenges e4 with ...d5, and after the exchange the half-open c and f files plus the d5 pawn chain give clear long-term plans. The infamous bad bishop is traded off or re-routed via b7/d5.
Common mistakes
Locking the light-squared bishop behind its own pawns forever. Allowing the e5 wedge without preparing ...f6. Trading pieces when White's space advantage grows in the endgame.
Typical plans
Advance lines: ...c5 and ...f6 hitting the pawn chain. Winawer: pressure the centre with the queen on b6 and pieces aimed at d4. Exchange structures: play the queenside majority.
Variations
- Advance: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5
- Winawer: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4
- Tarrasch: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2
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