1.e4 — the open games
French Defence, Classical Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6ECO C11–C14
Black develops naturally with 3…Nf6, inviting White to declare intentions in the centre. It leads to rich, classical French structures — whether White pushes e5 (gaining space, chased by …Nfd7 and …c5) or pins with Bg5. A principled, main-line way to play the French with full counterplay.
Key ideas
- After 4.e5 Nfd7 Black hits the chain with …c5 and …f6; after 4.Bg5 the pin leads to sharp Classical and MacCutcheon lines.
- Black accepts a space disadvantage for a solid structure and the standard …c5/…f6 breaks against d4/e5.
- The light-squared bishop is the perennial issue; Black solves it via …b6/…Ba6 or piece play.
Who it suits
French players who want the principled main line with rich, strategic middlegames.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the French Defence, Classical Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer