C00–C19 Open games

French Defense

Black builds a resilient e6 and d5 chain, then attacks White's center with ...c5.

Best for

Players who enjoy closed centers, pawn-chain strategy, and timed counterattacks.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

0 started · 0 mastered

01French DefenseC00 · 1 movenew02French Defense: Banzai-Leong GambitC00 · 2 movesnew03French Defense: Bird InvitationC00 · 2 movesnew04French Defense: Chigorin VariationC00 · 2 movesnew05French Defense: Horwitz AttackC00 · 2 movesnew

Browse all 211 lines

Open the catalogue only when you need a specific branch.

Winawer Variation54 lines
Classical Variation24 lines
Tarrasch Variation23 lines
Advance Variation22 lines
McCutcheon Variation14 lines
Steinitz Variation9 lines
Rubinstein Variation7 lines
Alekhine-Chatard Attack6 lines
Exchange Variation6 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Support e5 and gain kingside space.
  2. 02 Use c3 and f4 to reinforce the center.
  3. 03 Develop the c1 bishop before it becomes restricted when possible.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Strike at d4 with ...c5.
  2. 02 Use ...f6 to challenge e5 when prepared.
  3. 03 Solve the c8 bishop before the endgame.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

d4 is the base of White's chain, e5 is its spearhead, and c5 is Black's essential break.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Attack the base of a pawn chain before its tip.
  • Prepare ...f6 so the king remains safe.