1 of 6
Track this line:
The position
What French Defense puts on the board
Material is level, with white to move.
White has central pawns on e4.
White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.
White’s plan
What White is trying to build
Support the d4–e5 pawn chain and use the extra kingside space.
Prepare c3 and develop before deciding whether to attack with f4.
Black’s plan
How Black challenges it
Challenge White’s centre with …c5 and often …f6.
Pressure d4 and solve the light-squared bishop before the position closes.
The idea
The tactical pattern to recognise
Pressure on d4 from …c5 and …Qb6.
The e5 pawn can become the base of a kingside attack or a target after …f6.
The mistake
What to check before committing
Defending d4 mechanically while falling behind in development.
Playing …f6 before the black king and e6 pawn are tactically secure.
Continue
Choose the next book move
Preview a move to see the resulting position and the idea behind it. Select it to continue on the same board.
Reference links and alternate move orders
Move orders
1.e4 e61.e4 e6 2.d4 d5