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Reference.org
French Defence
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<p>The French Defence is a <a href="/facts/Chess_opening/lhWnwAd6">chess opening</a> characterised by the moves: </p> 1. e4 e6 <p>This is most commonly followed by 2.d4 d5. Black usually plays ...c5 soon after, attacking White's <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">pawn centre</a> and gaining <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">space</a> on the <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">queenside</a>. The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, although some lines such as the Winawer Variation can lead to <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">sharp</a> complications. Black's position is often somewhat <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">cramped</a> in the early game; in particular, the pawn on e6 can impede the <a href="/facts/Glossary_of_chess/bh0g4wCP">development</a> of the bishop on c8, known by many players as the French bishop. </p>