French Defence

The French Defence is a chess opening. It is characterised by the moves

1. e4 e6.

The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, though it can result in a somewhat cramped game for Black in the early stages. Black often gains counterattacking possibilities on the queenside while White tends to concentrate on the kingside.


Read more about French Defence:  Basics, General Themes, Main Line: 3 Nc3 (Paulsen Variation, ECO: C10), Exchange Variation: 3.exd5 Exd5, Advance Variation: 3 E5, Tarrasch Variation: 3 Nd2, Early Deviations For White, Early Deviations For Black, History, ECO Codes

Famous quotes containing the words french and/or defence:

    Like a French poem is life; being only perfect in structure
    When with the masculine rhymes mingled the feminine are.
    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)

    There can be no defence like elaborate courtesy.
    —E.V. (Edward Verrall)