The French Defence begins 1.e4 e6 (ECO C00). Black prepares the central strike d7-d5, resting on a solid pawn chain. The opening is considered sound and reliable, if a little passive in the first few moves.
Its defining strategic feature is the «French» light-squared bishop on c8, which often ends up locked in by its own pawns. In exchange Black gets a firm centre and queenside counterplay against White's pawn chain.
The French leads to closed, manoeuvring positions with clear plans for both sides. It appeals to players who like solid structures and a long positional fight.
Set it up on the board, move the pieces around and copy the FEN - or open the full walkthrough of the opening in a separate article.
Drag a piece onto the board, or click a piece and then click the squares. The cross beside the pieces sweeps every piece of that colour off the board, and a single piece can be dragged off the edge.
The pieces will be arranged into the chosen pattern.
It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
Openings, endgame positions and breakthrough studies - the set-up appears on the board.
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