French Defence

The French Defence is a chess opening characterised by the moves:

1. e4 e6

French Defence
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8
8
77
66
55
44
33
22
11
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Moves1.e4 e6
ECOC00–C19
Named afterLondon vs. Paris correspondence match (1834–1836)
ParentKing's Pawn Game

This is most commonly followed by 2.d4 d5. Black usually plays ...c5 soon after, attacking White's pawn centre and gaining space on the queenside. The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, although some lines such as the Winawer Variation can lead to sharp complications. Black's position is often somewhat cramped in the early game; in particular, the pawn on e6 can impede the development of the bishop on c8.

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