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

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    Thomas Hobbes (1579–1688)

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    —Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741–1794)