French Defense · C00

St. George Defense, Traditional Line

1. e4 e6 2. d4 a6 3. Nf3 b5 4. Bd3 c5 5. c3 Bb7 6. O-O Nf6

Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.

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... a6 Takes b5 away from White's bishop. Theory calls this the St. George Defense.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 8 more moves in this line, 12 in all.