French Defense

I know what your thinking. Youll have to trust me on this one. The French Defense is my favorite opening for black. It draws white into its trap in the first two moves and launches a counter attack on the center squares on move three. It doesnt let up until black has wrenched control of the center squares from white. If you would rather give the finger to white than bow to your rightful subservient position this defense is for you. I have won a trillion games with this defense and it is also a favorite of GM Botvinnik.



1. e4 e6

2.d4 d5

Usually
3. Nc3 Nf6

4. e5 c5

or 3. e5 c5

(Leaving a closed pawn center, black flanks the lever as planned)

Often after
Nf6

5. ...c5xd4

6. Nxd4 Nxd4

7. Qxd4 (Black has solid development in the center while whites queen is exposed and unprotected. After gaining a tempo the black can fight strongly for the e pawn)

After
e5 c5

4. dxc5 Bxc5 (Black owns the center)