French Defense · C15

Winawer Variation, Fingerslip Variation, Schwarz's Line

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd2 Ne7 5. Nb1

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. ...Bb4 pins and usually trades for the c3-knight: Black wrecks White's queenside pawns and attacks them forever; White gets the bishop pair and kingside chances. White's bishop on d2 is pinned against the king.

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.

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