French Defense · C00
Bird Invitation
1. e4 e6 2. Bb5
Black's pawn on d7 is pinned against the king.
The first 3 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
- 2. Bb5 Develops with a pin: the pawn on d7 is stuck shielding the king. Theory calls this the Bird Invitation.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 212 in the French Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.