French Defence - Early Deviations For Black

Early Deviations For Black

Although 2...d5 is the most consistent move after 1.e4 e6 2.d4, Black occasionally plays other moves:

  • 2...c5 is known as the Franco-Benoni because it features the ...c5 push characteristic of the Benoni Defence after the initial moves of the French. White may continue 3.d5, when play can transpose into the Benoni, though White has extra options since he need not play c4. 3.Nf3, transposing into a normal Sicilian Defence, and 3.c3, transposing into a line of the Alapin Sicilian (usually arrived at after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.d4) are also common. Play may also lead back to the French; for example, 1.e4 e6 2.d4 c5 3.c3 d5 4.e5 transposes into the Advance Variation of the French Defense.
  • 2...f5?! is the Kingston Defence, which shares some characteristics of the Dutch Defence. 3.e5 poses few problems for Black after 3...Ne7 4.Nf3 c5. The biggest test for Black is the Exchange Variation (3.exf5 exf5 4.Bd3) when 4...Nc6 5.Bxf5 Qf6 initiates some fascinating tactics.
  • 2...Nf6 is known as the Mediterranean Defense, and is very rare.

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