Chess opening · ECO C00
French Defense
The French Defense answers 1.e4 with 1...e6, a modest move with a clear purpose: Black wants ...d5 next, backed by the e-pawn so that a trade on d5 does not leave a lone pawn. The cost is that once ...d5 is in, the c8 bishop is hemmed in behind e6. Much of French strategy turns on pawn chains and on finding work for that bishop.
- Rank by weighted share
- #6 of 159
Key moves
1. e4 e6
- 1... e6The pawn on e6 supports a coming ...d5 and opens the f8 bishop's diagonal toward b4 and a3. After ...d5 the c8 bishop has little room, and Black often frees it with ...b6 and ...Ba6, a pawn break, or a trip through d7.
What happens after 2.d4 d5
White builds a broad center with 2.d4, and Black challenges it with 2...d5. Now e4 is attacked, and White has four main ways on: protect it with 3.Nc3 or 3.Nd2, push past with 3.e5, or trade with 3.exd5 for a symmetrical structure.
3.Nc3 allows ...Bb4, pinning the knight and adding pressure on e4. 3.Nd2 steps around that pin but blocks the c1 bishop for a while.
The d4 and e5 chain
After 3.e5, White's pawns on d4 and e5 face Black's on d5 and e6. The front pawn cramps Black's kingside, and the f6 square is no longer free for a knight.
Black attacks the base of the chain with ...c5, often backed by ...Nc6 and ...Qb6, all aimed at d4. The ...f6 break is a second way, hitting the head of the chain on e5.
Pressure on d4 in the Advance
2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6
Black's c-pawn and knight hit d4, the queen on b6 lines up behind the c5 pawn, and it also eyes b2. White's c3 and Nf3 hold the pawn, and the c1 bishop cannot leave without loosening b2.
Top replies by rating
Questions
Is the French a passive opening?
It gives White more central space early, but Black is not waiting. The ...c5 and ...f6 breaks are built into the structure, and many French games turn sharp once Black hits the pawn chain.
Related openings
Try it on the board. The first coached game and three analyses are free.