Position 1 of 8
1...e6
Prepares ...d5 to challenge White's center on the next move. Solid and reliable.
C00bPlay as Black6 lines to train
Learn the French Defense
A resilient and strategic defense to 1.e4 with 1...e6.
Main line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+
1.e41…e62.d42…d53.Nc33…Bb44.e54…c55.a35…Bxc3+
The idea
Why this opening works
The French Defense gives Black a rock-solid structure and clear counterplay targets. The pawn chain points toward the queenside where Black attacks with ...c5 and ...Qb6. While the light-squared bishop is temporarily hemmed in, Black's position is extremely hard to crack and offers long-term winning chances.
What to remember
- Know the first 8 half-moves of the main line.
- Understand the purpose of your key moves before adding more theory.
- Practice the branches until you can respond without move-order guessing.
Move by move
The moves worth understanding
Theory sticks when every move has a job. Start with these ideas from the trainer.
Scroll down through 8 positions
- e7 → e6
- d7 → d5
Position 2 of 8
2...d5
Directly challenges White's e4 pawn. This is the point of 1...e6 — to support d5 firmly.
- f8 → b4
Position 3 of 8
3...Bb4
The Winawer — pins the knight on c3 and puts real pressure on White's center. Leads to sharp play.
- c7 → c5
Position 4 of 8
4...c5
The key counterattack — strikes at White's d4 pawn from the side. This is Black's main source of counterplay in the French.
- b8 → c6
Position 5 of 8
5...Nc6
Develops the knight and adds pressure to d4 and e5. Natural and strong.
- d8 → b6
Position 6 of 8
5...Qb6
Attacks the b2 pawn and puts pressure on d4. A key move in many French lines.
- c5 → d4
Position 7 of 8
5...cxd4
Opens the c-file for Black's rook and removes White's d4 pawn. Improves Black's piece activity.
- g8 → f6
Position 8 of 8
3...Nf6
Develops the knight attacking e4. In some lines, it also prepares ...Nd7.
Trainer variations
Lines you’ll meet
These are representative branches from the drill, not a demand to memorize everything at once.
Line 11. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+
Line 21. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. Bd2 Nc6
Line 31. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6
Line 41. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bd3 cxd4
Line 51. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5
Line 61. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e5 c5
Quick answers
French Defense questions
What is the French Defense?
A resilient and strategic defense to 1.e4 with 1...e6. The French Defense gives Black a rock-solid structure and clear counterplay targets. The pawn chain points toward the queenside where Black attacks with ...c5 and ...Qb6. While the light-squared bishop is temporarily hemmed in, Black's position is extremely hard to crack and offers long-term winning chances.
What is the main line of the French Defense?
This trainer starts with 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+. The exact move order can change by variation, so learn the purpose of each move as well as the sequence.
Is the French Defense good to learn as Black?
It can be a useful part of a Black repertoire if its positions match how you like to play. Learn the main plan first, then use the drill to test the recurring replies.
Study next
B20bSicilian DefenseFight for the initiative as Black with 1...c5 — asymmetric and combative.1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e5B10bCaro-Kann DefenseA rock-solid defense to 1.e4 with 1...c6 — reliable structure and easy development.1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7B01bScandinavian DefenseA direct, easy-to-learn defense to 1.e4 with 1...d5 — challenge the center immediately.1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 Bf5 6. Bd2 c6
Turn the guide into recall
Now play the French Defense from memory.
The drill gives you an opponent reply, checks your response, and repeats the branches that need more work.