The French Defence: a guide to the main lines, with master-game evidence
What the French is for, White's four main answers and how each scores, Black's main replies, and the two pawn breaks every French player needs. Built on 179,938 master games.
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Openings
What to play, why it works, and what masters actually choose from the key positions.
The "safe" 3.exd5 scores worst against the French
Club players often swap on d5 to avoid French theory. In 179,938 master games it is White's lowest-scoring main move, and Black wins more often than White.
Tired of the Pirc? The h3 + a4 system and the 10.Qd6 trap
Two quiet pawn moves take the sting out of Black's main plans, and one natural recapture walks into 10.Qd6. What 1,053 master games and Stockfish 19 say.
Do the same with your own games
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