Opening Analysis - The French

Hi guys welcome back to a new series of Blogs. We are gonna start analyzing some of the openings and see the tricks and traps in them. We are starting the series with.. 'The French'

If you have played with me or know me you probably know I play the French often. Its because its a very solid opening and very aggressive if u play it the right way. Lets look at the starting position and what white can play.

So the above is a basic position.. In this position white can play any 4 of the moves to stay in the theory. These 4 moves are

- 3. e5

- 3. exd5

- 3. Nc3

- 3. Nd2

Lets look at each of these moves and lines.

3 . e5 - This move leads to variation called the 'Advanced French' which most 1000-1200 Fide players play. The variation plays out

Here white has 2 options  8. Nc3 or 8. Bc2 lets look at each of them 

8. Nc3 or 8. 0-0 - Here both Nc3 and 0-0 lead to the same position just the change in the move order. This becomes and aggressive game for white but Black is a pawn up. The theory ends with this position

where black has 2 moves 10. Qxe5 which leads to a big attack for white and in most cases a victory for white or 10. Qb6 which is not much safer but gives black an extra chance.

3. Nc3 - The Nc3 line is a more diverse line where it ends up being a closed variation where white pushes on the kingside while black tries attack whites center. This line usually goes on like

Here white has 2 options.. 4.e5 leads to very interesting and closed lines which lead to white getting a small advantage if he plays well. 4. Bg5 is more commonly played and it leads to semi-closed lines where white almost always has a small advantage and black plays for equality.

3. Nd2 - The Nd2 line is one that is used by most players between 1250-1650. Its known for its open positions and tactics.. The most common line played is :

Here blacks plan is to play e5 and burst open the position. White usually can't stop it so white tries to attack blacks king. This is one of the more fun variations.

3.exd5 - This line is known for its boredom. There are more draws here than any where in the French at GM and Super GM level. Its the French Players nightmare. Let me bust a rumor though. Most young players think this position guarantees a draw but this is untrue. This position is a test of skill. The player who has more experience and skill is more likely to triumph in this type of opening.

Thanks for reading another blog of mine

Yours Bloggerly (Yes it is a word I invented)

@ananthramdas