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:
“Salad is roughage and a French idea.”
—U.S. grandmother. As quoted in “Once a Tramp, Always ...,” by M.F.K. Fisher (1969)
“To choose a hardship for ourselves is our only defence against that hardship. This is what is meant by accepting suffering.... Those who, by their very nature, can suffer completely, utterly, have an advantage. That is how we can disarm the power of suffering, make it our own creation, our own choice; submit to it. A justification for suicide.”
—Cesare Pavese (1908–1950)