French Defense

Black challenges the centre with ...d5, accepting a slightly cramped position and a passive light-squared bishop in exchange for a rock-solid structure and clear counterplay. It is one of the most reliable answers to 1.e4.

• Strike at White's centre with ...d5 and later ...c5
• Play on the queenside where Black's pawn chain points
• Solve the 'bad' light-squared bishop with ...b6 or an exchange
• Aim for the ...f6 or ...c5 breaks to open lines