French Defense
Hit White's center with 1...e6 and 2...d5. A complete, counterattacking French against every main line.
Train this repertoire freeChapters
Each chapter shows its main line move by move, with the coach's comments.
- 114 lines
3.e5 - Advance Variation
Let's learn the French Defense! We strike at the center with d5 and e6, building a rock-solid pawn chain that forces White into tough decisions. We begin with pawn to e6.
Read the chapter - 29 lines
3.exd5 - Exchange Variation
White takes on d5, the Exchange Variation. This dodges all the closed French theory we prepped, but don't worry, we can still create sharp play by avoiding mirror moves and...
Read the chapter - 39 lines
3.Nc3 Classical & Winawer
Natural development, defending our e4 pawn.
Read the chapter - 46 lines
3.Nd2 - Tarrasch Variation & Other moves
The knight drops back to defend e4 while staying flexible for kingside development.
Read the chapter
About this repertoire
A complete Black repertoire against 1.e4 with 1...e6 and 2...d5.
The French is one of the most reliable defenses in chess. You immediately challenge White's center, get a rock-solid pawn structure, and launch counterattacks before White can settle into a comfortable game. Korchnoi, Botvinnik, and more recently Giri and Vitiugov have used the French to beat the best players in the world.
This repertoire gives you weapons against every White approach, combining combative mainlines with proven sideline solutions.
What you'll learn
3.e5 Advance Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5
White grabs space but creates a target. You strike at the d4 base with ...c5 and ...Qb6, building pressure until White's center collapses. The mainline with 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Bd7 leads to sharp play where you can win the d4 pawn outright.
3.exd5 Exchange Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5
White simplifies but you avoid symmetry. Instead of copying moves, you develop Bd6, Ne7, Nbc6, and castle queenside for attacking chances. Your plan with Bg4, Qd7, and O-O-O creates real threats against White's king.
3.Nc3 Classical & Winawer
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6
Against the knight defense, you play the Classical with 3...Nf6, entering the Burn Variation against 4.Bg5 and the Steinitz Variation against 4.e5. The Steinitz features the spectacular Qxb2 pawn grab, leading to razor-sharp tactical battles where preparation gives you the edge.
3.Nd2 Tarrasch & Sidelines
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5
Against the Tarrasch, you strike with ...c5 immediately. After 4.exd5 Qxd5 you get an active queen and dynamic piece play. The chapter also covers 3.Bd3 and other rare third moves.
Why this repertoire?
- Battle-tested at every level. The French has been a top-level weapon for over 150 years.
- Forces White to choose first. After 2...d5, White must commit to a pawn structure while you adapt.
- Counterattacking DNA. Every variation gives you active plans against White's center or king.
- Comprehensive coverage. Every major White system is covered with carefully selected mainlines and practical alternatives.
- Practical and low-maintenance. Themes repeat across variations: undermine the center, trade the bad bishop, activate your pieces.
Train the French Defense repertoire
Play every line on the board and let spaced repetition bring back the moves you forget. Free to start.
Train this repertoire free