The French Defence: Challenge the Centre with a Pawn Chain
Study the Classical Variation, the pawn-chain plan, and the Milner–Barry queen trap.
Step 1 of 14
Recall the centre lesson from Chess Opening Principles for Beginners. In the French Defence, Black challenges it with 1...e6 and 2...d5. White can close the centre with e5, while Black often attacks d4 with ...c5.
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Read the lesson text
Recall the centre lesson from Chess Opening Principles for Beginners. In the French Defence, Black challenges it with 1...e6 and 2...d5. White can close the centre with e5, while Black often attacks d4 with ...c5.
In the Milner–Barry trap, taking on d4 too soon can expose Black’s queen to Bb5+. Develop the bishop or cover b5 before grabbing the pawn.