French Defense
Also known as: French, الفرنسي, Winawer, Advance, Tarrasch
Family: Semi-Open Game (1.e4 e6)
French Defense — core
1...e6 then ...d5 build a firm center, with the trade-off of the hemmed-in c8-bishop.
White perspective
Lesson steps
Main line
Branch
Common mistake
Trap / motif
If you play White
Keep the chain, gain space, and attack the kingside (f4–f5, the h-pawn, Qg4 in the Winawer).
Plans
- Bishop to d3 (covers f5, eyes h7)
- Knights to f3/e2, c3 supports d4
- Break with f4–f5; sometimes a3+b4
- Don't drift into the dull Exchange when you want to win
- Watch ...c5 and ...f6 timing
Core idea
Black builds a firm e6–d5 center. After 3.e5 the defining structure is White's pawn chain c3–d4–e5 against Black's e6–d5 (+...c5). Black attacks the chain at its base (d4) with ...c5 and at its head (e5) with ...f6. The thematic problem is the 'French bishop' on c8, hemmed in by its own pawns; Black solves it by trading or activating it. White enjoys space and often attacks the kingside.
AI coach explanation (later)
Later, the ThinkMate coach will use verified opening facts and team-authored notes to provide an interactive explanation.