FRENCH DEFENCE · SIX LESSONS FOR BLACK
Challenge the centre.
Understand the plan.
After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, Black builds a tough central base and prepares to challenge White’s space. Learn the ideas behind …c5 and …f6, solve the c8-bishop and meet White’s major third moves without memorising endless theory.
The French
Structure
Understand 1…e6 and 2…d5, the pawn chain, the c8-bishop and Black’s two freeing breaks.
Begin the course →LESSON 2 · 3.e5The Advance
Variation
Attack d4 with …c5, …Nc6 and …Qb6, then challenge e5 when your pieces are ready.
Read lesson 2 →LESSON 3 · 3.exd5The Exchange
Variation
Avoid lifeless copying. Develop actively, create imbalances and use open files with purpose.
Read lesson 3 →LESSON 4 · 3.Nd2The Tarrasch
Variation
Meet White’s flexible knight move with an immediate central challenge and active development.
Read lesson 4 →LESSON 5 · 3.Nc3 Nf6The Classical
Variation
Use …Nfd7, …c5 and a prepared …f6 to attack White’s advanced centre.
Read lesson 5 →LESSON 6 · 3.Nc3 Bb4The Winawer
Variation
Trade bishop for structure, attack White’s queenside pawns and handle the sharp kingside play.
Take the final lesson →Your practical French map
- 3.e5: challenge d4 with …c5, …Nc6 and often …Qb6.
- 3.exd5: recapture …exd5 and develop actively.
- 3.Nd2: strike immediately with …c5.
- 3.Nc3: choose the Classical with …Nf6 or the sharper Winawer with …Bb4.
Across every branch, ask the same questions: Is …c5 working? Can I prepare …f6? What future does my c8-bishop have?