French Defense: Normal Variation

This chess opening is a solid and strategic choice, focusing on undermining the opponent's pawn center while maintaining a strong pawn structure for the second player.

The opening is characterized by its focus on undermining the opponent's pawn center, particularly the d4 pawn, while maintaining a solid pawn structure for the second player. This is achieved by allowing the first player to establish a strong pawn center with pawns on e4 and d4, and then challenging it with pawn moves like e6 and d5. The second player's pawn structure is often compact and difficult to break, providing a solid foundation for their pieces.

In this opening, the second player often develops their light-squared bishop to d6 or e7, and their knights to f6 and d7. The dark-squared bishop can be fianchettoed on b7, or developed to d6 or e7, depending on the specific variation. The second player's king is usually castled kingside, and their rooks are placed on open or semi-open files.

One of the main ideas for the second player in this opening is to create counterplay on the queenside, often by advancing their a and b pawns and targeting the first player's pawn on d4. This can lead to imbalances in pawn structure and piece activity, which can be exploited by both sides.

This opening is a popular choice among players who prefer a solid and strategic approach to the game, rather than sharp tactical battles. It has been played by many top-level players, including former World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.