French: 3.Nc3 Be7

Before the first move

The French Defense is a solid, counterattacking opening where Black concedes a space advantage to build a resilient structure. In this line, White develops the knight to c3 to defend the center, while Black chooses the subtle Be7, a flexible waiting move that avoids the sharper complications of the Winawer or Classical variations.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center, opens lines for your queen and light-squared bishop, and prepares for a rapid development of your kingside forces.

1... e6Black

Black replies e6, signaling the French Defense. This is a highly respected choice, prioritizing a sturdy pawn chain. While rarer moves like the Barnes Defense with f6 or the Borg Defense with g5 exist, e6 is the gold standard for solidity.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. Now you have established a classical pawn duo in the center, controlling key squares like c5 and e5. This provides a strong foundation for your pieces to maneuver behind.

Other paths here: b4 (French Defense: Banzai-Leong Gambit) · Bb5 (French Defense: Bird Invitation) · Qe2 (French Defense: Chigorin Variation) · b3 (French Defense: Horwitz Attack)

2... d5Black

Black plays d5, the thematic follow-up to e6. This forces White to make a decision about the e4 pawn. Other tries like the Mediterranean Defense with Nf6 or the Franco-Sicilian with c5 are possible, but d5 is the heart of the French.

Other paths here: b5 (French Defense: Baeuerle Gambit) · f5 (French Defense: Franco-Hiva Gambit) · c5 (French Defense: Franco-Sicilian Defense) · Nf6 (French Defense: Mediterranean Defense)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This is the most ambitious way to defend your e4 pawn. You maintain the tension in the center and prepare for active piece play, keeping your options open for both the kingside and queenside.

Other paths here: Be3 (French Defense: Alapin Gambit) · c4 (French Defense: Diemer-Duhm Gambit) · Nh3 (French Defense: Morphy Gambit) · Nf3 (French Defense: Perseus Gambit)

3... Be7Black

Black plays Be7, a flexible and solid choice. By placing the bishop here, Black avoids the sharp Winawer with Bb4 or the Classical Nf6. You'll now have to decide whether to push e5 to gain space or keep the central tension.

Other paths here: dxe4 (French Defense: Rubinstein Variation) · Nc6 (French Defense: Hecht-Reefschläger Variation) · Nf6 (French Defense: Classical Variation) · Bb4 (French Defense: Winawer Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White usually gains space with e5, leading to a closed center where they will attack on the kingside. Black will counter by attacking the base of White's pawn chain with c5 and f6. Both sides must balance their development with these thematic pawn breaks to gain the upper hand.

• e4-e5 Gain space and lock the center
• c7-c5 Challenge the d4 pawn base
• d1-g4 Target the kingside after e5
• g8-f6 Develop and prepare to castle