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French Defense

0/11

Counter-punch specialist. Let White overextend, then break through.

One of Black's most reliable responses to 1.e4. The French creates a solid pawn chain with e6 and d5, leading to rich strategic battles. The price: the light-squared bishop gets locked in.

0/11 completed0%
  • ◆Build a solid pawn chain with e6 and d5
  • ◆Attack the base of White's chain with c5
  • ◆Nc3 invites the sharp Winawer with Bb4
  • ◆Nd2 avoids the pin but is less aggressive
  • ◆The light-squared bishop is restricted but the structure is rock-solid
  • ◆Qb6 pressures b2 and d4 simultaneously

“Let us master this.”

Played by
Viktor Korchnoi,Mikhail Botvinnik,Alexander Morozevich,Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Learning Path

9 lessons

Master Games

2 games