Sidestep to the French Defence

What plans are recommended to combat:

1) d4...d5

2) e4...e6

Check out the Alapin-Diemer Gambit. You can find some theory and example games on the forum of The Unsound Openers.

I think the diemer duhn is okay but I also like to transpose to the advanced variation of the french. I think white has an advantage there are 3 really good books on the french advance Sveshnikovs 2 vol series and Andy soltis wrote a book on it. both you can find the pdf for for free online check out pdfslide dot net

3.Nc3 is best. Many don't know how to play the mainline French as they just transposed to it from the Diemer.

3.Be3 is the Alapin French and is Diemer style.