What is The French Defence?

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You might have observed several grandmasters playing the French Defence as their opening game that it brings about the question why do they prefer it? The best part is The French Defence is a great opening game for amateurs too. Although there is a clear debate that arises in the mind of every player, what makes French Defence so popular among all? Before getting into it, let us understand what is French Defence?

French Defence- 

It is a chess opening for the black and a counterattack against the white’s move 1.e4. If we take a look from the black’s first move, it looks directly at the black through the a2-g8 diagonal which is generally said to be one of the biggest weakness for black and it then advances to take direct control of the light squares in the centre after 2.d5. 

The only setback to the move is it blocks your strongest pieces, i.e the bishop in the queen’s side. However, you might think it's a disadvantage if you haven’t planned ahead. Chess requires a little foresightedness. You need to know what is coming up and stage the gameplay keeping in mind that your bishop is immobile. You know your weakness at present, thus needs to be a little cautious about the next half of the game.  

Generally, in French Defence, the Black tries to counterattack on the queen’s side and the white tries to sabotage the black from the king’s side. 

Why is French Defence so popular?

Even if you are constantly at a position where your bishop is prisoned and you are partly stuck, French Defence has gained absolutely popularity right from its development in the game. Grandmasters like Mikhail Botvinnik, Ding Liren, Tigran Petrosian, Rafael Vaganian, Wesley So, Viktor Korchnoi, and Wolfgang Uhlmann are famous French Defence players. What makes french defense ideal for beginners? Let’s find out. 

  • It statistically improves your winning chances. French Defence is not just popular but it also provides an excellent score in the chess database. 

  • You don’t need to have theoretical knowledge about the million alternatives. You just need to focus on the strategy that would lead you to win the game. 

  • It is vague. It prepares you for various alternatives and improves your game. It makes it difficult for your opponent to plan ahead as you are playing a flexible game. Now you know by the grandmasters love this opening. It gives them room to try out various moves and confuse the opponent.

  • Also, if you are a beginner it doesn’t allow you to be repetitive in your pawn structure and your game. You need to explore your options and expand your knowledge before choosing a style of play.  

Unlike Sicilian and Ruy Lopez, people refract from opening with French Defence because of one disadvantage of getting your bishop cornered until the later of the game. However, if you like the style that your idol plays all the time, you need to know the concepts that make your game strong against your opponent, even with a slight disadvantage. Mind Mentorz can help you work around that and many other popular chess openings. So, if you are passionate about chess and what to learn more, march to Mind Mentorz.