Chess Theory: Opening Remarks

Introduction

  I have already posted much about general chess theory. This time I would like to discuss chess openings.

The French Defense

"In the French Defense, black does not immediately challenge the white center. White should therefore immediately place another pawn there with 2.d4. Black will counter with 2...d5." Jon Edwards

  I prefer algebraic notation to descriptive notation.

"Every pawn move creates a weakness." Edwards

  Edwards is a chess master from Princeton. He is not the former Presidential candidate.

  White tends to attack on the Kingside against the French defense. White will often play e5 sooner or later. Black may get a bad Queen Bishop, which is hemmed in by Black's own pawns.

  Nevertheless this is a solid defense. Black needs to attack White's pawn chain or else he will get a cramped game. If Black can destroy White's pawn chain, he will get a freer game.

  One of the reasons I play this defense is that it delays skrimishes until late in the opening. Skrimishes early in the opening tend to favor White because White is ahead by one move. Open games tend to favor White early in the game. When I am White, I strive for an open game.