How To Play and Counter - the French Defense

     Hello and welcome back to yet another blog! Today we'll be taking a look at the popular "French Defense". For those who don't know what that is - the French Defense is an opening that starts with white playing e4, then black responds with e3, which initiates the French Defense. (Or e6 from white's pov). Let's take a look at the French Defense playing as white! 

     As you can see, white has more center space than black. Which means white has the advantage already! But that's not always true. Yes, white does have more center space; but black has a few really good counters, such as nf6, nc3, or even bc4. Lets see how the game would turn out using these counters, depending on who your playing against you might now have the same outcome as the games shown below.

White won, but there were a lot of blunders so you can't really say that  you'll always win with that opening. Feel free to try it out! Most of the minor pieces were traded early on, which you should try to avoid if you don't want endgames like that one. Lol

White has a bishop and two knights, while black only has two knights developed. Which means white has more center space, giving them the advantage overall. The French Defense is a good opening for all (rapid) ratings, even 100!
Even my cat plays the French Defense! XD I hope this helped!

PS. In a few days I'll start writing blogs in French and Swedish too! So more people can learn about chess : )