Best engine evaluation leads to white loss in French Defense line

Nice to see that some higher rated players actually commented on this; thank you.  Though I don't understand how, people talk all about  using engines for game preparation, so I tried it on this somewhat rare line and was confused by the results.  

If the IM pfren is still following this.  Can you explain why 5.Bd3 is white's only consistent plan positionally?  If 5...Nc6, it's going to be hard to regain the pawn and I don't see how semi opening the c-file helps white.  Also, recommend any books on the French?  

White's intention is to develop rapidly, not regaining the d4 pawn (which is extra, and weak). He wants to keep the spearhead at e5 by all means, faithful to the Nimzowitzian dogmas. He MAY pick back the d4 pawn later if he has nothing better to do, but usually he just wants to create problems to Black in a different way.

See how a French defence expert handled the position as Black. Everything looks fine, engines applaud his approach, and yet, around move 25 white is better. Mrs. Stockova made a tactical mistake by 25.Be1 (it leaves f4 not well protected) and Black equalized, and later on wrapped the game up.

French book/books? Well, look for Moskalenko's.

They have plenty of mistakes (the author is not fond of engine analysis), but they are very pleasant to read, show a lot of nice ideas, and will make you love the opening. The absolute truth in position ABC means little at your level. Most of my friendsa snob these books, but all of them are stroing players- so they are a tad unforgiving about several things...

What normal person would play 4. Bd3?

4...c4 fully equalises.

4...cd4 or Nc6 seems to be weaker.

It would be good to trade Stockova with Stockfish to see how Piorun fares...

Temeo Danaos et dona ferentes.

Black should play e4-e5, otherwise, if Be2/g3 instead, black has de4, and will equalise at some point, after both de4 and Ne4.

The e5 white pawn setup is only efficient when the center is closed, i.e. both d and e pawns present,

look at Fischer games, he won a lot like that, and no one captured on e4 to open the game.

That is why they lost.

(Quote#1) I have just started trying to learn the French defense.

I wish someone, like 2500+, would say that. I'd laff 'til happy hour !

Nothing is certain.

White is losing with all first moves after 1..e6. The only advantage for white is when 1e3! is played.

Van't Kruijs recognized this in 1878, and stole the french advantage from black. Garry Kasparov plays it vs Fritz 1994 and  had a decisive advantage on move 15 of 2.20+...only to play some bad moves and then it was +1 black.