French Defence: moves, ideas and plans

A solid defence: Black accepts less space in return for a strong chain and counter-play against White's centre.

C11Play it as BlackIntermediate13 moves

Main line: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3

Key ideas

• ...e6 and ...d5 challenge e4 at once.
• Attack the base of White's pawn chain with ...c5 and ...f6.
• The c8 bishop is the problem piece; plan its development.

The French Defence move by move

Every move of the main line, with the reason it is played. The final position is recognised in the opening database as C11 French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation.

1. 1. e4Centre.
2. 1… e6The French: prepares ...d5 with a pawn behind it.
3. 2. d4White takes the full centre.
4. 2… d5Black challenges e4 immediately.
5. 3. Nc3Defends e4.
6. 3… Nf6Attacks e4 again, the Classical French.
7. 4. e5The Steinitz Variation: White gains space and kicks the knight.
8. 4… Nfd7The knight retreats, ready to attack the chain with ...c5 and ...f6.
9. 5. f4White supports e5 with a second pawn.
10. 5… c5The thematic break against d4, the base of White's chain.
11. 6. Nf3More support for d4.
12. 6… Nc6More pressure on d4.
13. 7. Be3White holds d4, and the fight around it decides the game.

More openings for Black