How to play the French Defense.

The French Defense is a strong opening for black. Also, it is the strongest opening, according to Stockfish. So, I have decided to post this blog to help you win games with it.

To begin, White will play e4. You play e6, and white will likely play d4, controlling the center.  You will play d5, attacking the center. At this point white can play 3 things.  Nc3, exd5 or e5.

If Nc3,

If exd5,

If e5,

And to answer your question, yes, the white-squared bishop is a con. However, despite this, the French is the best way to refute e4.

There are many more variations of the French. But it is more commonly played as I showed you.

Now, let's see how you do with the French! Good luck!