ChessMoggHome › Chess openings › French Defense
Chess openings · ECO C00–C19 · Updated October 10, 2026
French Defense: Advance, Winawer, Tarrasch and traps
The French Defense is a solid, counterattacking answer to 1.e4. Black accepts a slightly cramped position in exchange for a rock-solid pawn chain and clear pawn breaks against White’s center.
Starts with: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 · ECO: C00–C19
Main variations
White grabs space with e5; Black attacks the d4 base of the chain with ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...Qb6. Stockfish: about +0.4.
Black gives up the bishop pair to damage White’s pawns. Sharp and double-edged (about +0.6).
3.Nd2 avoids the Winawer pin. A strategic battle around White’s d4 pawn (about +0.4).
Plans for Black
- Hit the base of White’s chain with ...c5, and sometimes the head with ...f6.
- Solve the “bad” light-squared bishop: trade it with ...b6 and ...Ba6, or bring it out via d7–e8–h5.
- Pressure d4 with ...Qb6, ...Nc6 and ...Nf5 or ...Ne7–f5.
Trap to know: grabbing d4 too early in the Advance
The check uncovers the d1 queen’s attack on d4. Even 7...Nxd4 alone is already bad (Stockfish about +3.3); after 8...Qxd4?? 9.Bb5+ White wins the queen (about +6.8).
Common French Defense mistakes
- Leaving the light-squared bishop buried on c8 all game.
- Castling kingside straight into White’s attack without counterplay.
- Grabbing the d4 pawn when a discovered check is waiting (see the trap above).
Frequently asked questions
Is the French Defense good for beginners?
Yes. It teaches pawn chains and pawn breaks, and the main plans are clear. Beginners must learn what to do with the light-squared bishop.
What is the best line against the French Defense?
The Advance (3.e5), Winawer (3.Nc3 Bb4) and Tarrasch (3.Nd2) are all main tests. The Exchange (3.exd5) is simpler but less ambitious.
Why is the French bishop called bad?
Black’s light-squared bishop is blocked by the e6 and d5 pawns, so it has few squares until Black trades it or frees the position.