French Defense · C14

Classical Variation, after 3... a6, through 6. Bg5

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. Bg5

...Nf6 pressures e4 directly and asks White to commit: e5 gains space but fixes a target, exchanges free Black's cramped game.

The first 4 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. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 7 more moves in this line, 11 in all.