C02
French Defense: Advance Variation
Key moves: 1.e4 e6
The French Defence is a solid and strategic opening where Black plays ...e6 to support a later ...d5, challenging White's centre. The resulting positions feature distinct pawn structures and strategic plans for both sides — White often attacks on the kingside while Black counterattacks on the queenside.
History & Notable Players
Named after a correspondence match between London and Paris in 1834 where it was used. The French has been a reliable weapon for strategically-minded players including Mikhail Botvinnik, Viktor Korchnoi, and Tigran Petrosian.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
C00 - French Defense801C01 - French Defense: Exchange Variation591C03 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation318C04 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Guimard Defense, Main Line93C05 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Closed Variation261C06 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Leningrad Variation187C07 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System597C08 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System218C09 - French Defense: Tarrasch Variation, Open System, Main Line250
Best Games
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