Here begins the story of the French Defense. The best part of the French defense is the plethora of options.

Rules of thumb for the French Defense:

The exchange french should make you happy from both sides of the board. Control of the open file is critical.
Try not to commit your g8 knight until white has blocked the f-pawn or has committed to the e4-e5 advance.
Try to get RID of WHITE's light square bishop.
Welcome trades of your light square bishop.
c5 and f6 are critical moves to play to counter-attack white's pawn chain.
IF the center is CLOSED, SOMETIMES your king is safest in the center.

I will post topics of certain lines in the comments. It's more important that you understand the ideas than actually memorize the lines.

Franklin HS Sabers Chess Team