For White· 5 lines

Beat the French: Tarrasch - Sidelines (3...Nc6, 3...Be7, 3...c6, 3...a6)

Position after 9... Kd7

Main line

The chapter's main line, with the comments from the course.

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2
The knight looks odd here, blocking our own bishop, but there's method to it. We sidestep the sharp Winawer completely and keep c2-c3 ready when Black tries the typical c5 break.
3... Nc6
Black develops and keeps flexible, eyeing e5 and preparing f6 if we advance. This can get tricky since Black often reaches comfortable setups.
4. Ngf3
The only move that truly tests Black here. The alternative 4.c3 fails to 4...e5! with excellent counterplay.
4... Nf6
Black attacks e4 and basically dares us to advance. We're happy to take the space!
5. e5
Let's grab all that space Black is offering!
5... Nd7
Now the 3...Nc6 idea shows itself. With c5 blocked, both knights support the f6 break that's coming. We'll just trade when Black plays it.
6. Bd3
Bd3 feels most natural here, though Nb3 is solid too.
6... f6
The classic French break, but dangerous here with our bishop actively placed on d3. We get nice attacking chances.
7. Ng5
Qh5+ is coming next. Black must defend immediately or face mate.
7... Ndxe5
Black clears d7 for the king before our check hits. This sacrifices the piece but keeps an extra pawn as compensation.
8. dxe5 fxg5 9. Qh5+ Kd7

The free lines of this chapter, each one trainable move by move.

Main Line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nc6 4. Ngf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nd7 6. Bd3 f6 7. Ng5 Ndxe5 8. dxe5 fxg5 9. Qh5+ Kd7
3...Be7
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Be7 4. Ngf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. O-O
3...a6
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 a6 4. Bd3 c5 5. dxc5 Bxc5 6. Ngf3 Nf6 7. O-O O-O
3...c6
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c6 4. Ngf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. c3
6...Nb4
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nc6 4. Ngf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nd7 6. Bd3 Nb4 7. Be2 c5 8. c3 Nc6 9. O-O

The trainer plays the opponent's moves and waits for yours, line by line. Free to start.