French Defense Technique

by Cecil
(India)

French Defense

French people had a great respect for the game of chess and they actively participated in improving and discovering new dimensions in chess. The following is the French Defense opening technique which is quite famous and been widely used by prominent players in championship games. These moves are point to point which aims at occupying and controlling the center.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5

These are just the initial moves where both White and Black make their initial step in moving their pawns. We've reached the position in the diagram.

3.exd5 exd5 4.Nc3 Nf6

Both sides play aggressively, attacking each other and losing one of their pawns with the knights coming into the attack.

5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 a6

The White Bishop makes a big move and Black faces it with his pawn.

7.Ba4 b5 8.Bb3 Na5 9.Nxd5 Nxb3 10.axb3 Nxd5

Reaching the crucial moves now where both the sides lose a knight and the game becomes more and more interesting.

11.c4 bxc4 12.bxc4 Nb6

White obtains central control.

13.c5 Nd5 14.Bg5 Be7

The game gradually comes under White's control as he utilizes his bishop to reinforce his central control.

15.h4 Bf5 16.O-O O-O

Black and White make safe moves to make themselves stay secure and though both do it the game is mostly in the hands of the White and only he can lose it if he plays the moves carelessly.

17.Qe2 a5

Now both sides are fully developed with solid defense. White attacks relentlessly and Black defends it solidly.

Play through the moves here and feel free to leave a comment.