French Defense: Classical Variation, Normal Variation

French Defense is a popular opening played by black to counter the e4 pawn opening by white. When white plays e4, it controls the center of the board, but leaves the pawn vulnerable to an attack by black's pawn on d5. In the Classical Variation, white responds by playing Nc3, which helps in developing the pieces and ensures the control of the center. The move Nf6 by black is an attempt to challenge white's control of the center and creates a threat on white's pawn by attacking the knight on c3. The move Bg5 is a standard response by white, which pins the knight on f6 and continues the development of the bishop. This setup is a typical formation leading to complex and strategic positions for both sides.

Black plays e6 in response to e4 by white, to control the d5 square and prevent white's pawn from advancing to d4. This move also helps in developing the bishop on f8 and allows for potential movement of the pawn on d7. By playing e6, black creates a solid pawn structure which provides a stable defense against white's attacks. This move is a common choice for those who prefer a solid and positional style of play, which is characteristic of French Defense opening.

White plays d4 to further control the center of the board and establish a strong pawn chain with e4 and d4 pawns. This move also supports the development of the knight on f3 and prepares for the queen and bishop to be brought into play. By advancing the d-pawn, White aims to create a potential passed pawn in the center of the board and also gains space advantage. This move may also limit Black's pawn mobility and force Black to react to the central pawn advance. In sum, d4 is a common and powerful response by White after the e4 e6 opening moves.

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Normal Variation, Black typically responds to d4 with d5, which attacks the pawn on d4 and impedes White's control of the center. This move also frees up the bishop on c8 and prepares for Black's pieces to be developed aggressively in the future. The d5 pawn break can lead to tactical opportunities for Black and create a more dynamic and open game. By pushing d5, Black also gains space advantage and challenges White's central pawn structure. In sum, d5 is a common move in response to d4 by Black in the French Defense opening.

With the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5, White typically responds with Nc3, developing a piece and preparing to control the center of the board. This move also supports the pawn on d4 and creates a potential attack on Black's pawn on e5. The knight on c3 also has the option to move to d5 and attack Black's queen knight, which can disrupt Black's pawn structure and lead to favorable exchanges for White. By playing Nc3, White builds up pressure against Black's position and establishes a stronger foothold in the center of the board. In sum, Nc3 is a solid and strategic move in the French Defense opening.

In response to 3. Nc3 by White, Black typically plays Nf6, developing a piece and controlling the vital e4 square. This move also aims to contest White's control of the center and prepare for the pawn break with ...d4, which can open up lines and create tactical opportunities for Black. The knight on f6 is also well placed to support the pawn on d5 and pressure White's pieces. By playing Nf6, Black gains a foothold in the center and establishes a stronger position from which to launch attacks and carry out strategic plans. In sum, Nf6 is a common and effective response in the French Defense opening.

In the French Defense: Classical Variation, Normal Variation, White typically follows up with Bg5 after Black plays Nf6. This move pins the knight on f6 and creates a potential weakness in Black's position. This move also leads to a more aggressive and tactical style of play, as White aims to pressure Black's pieces and gain control of the center. The bishop on g5 puts pressure on the knight on f6, which can force Black to make adjustments and lose valuable time. Additionally, Bg5 can help in increasing White's control over the d5 square. In sum, Bg5 is a common and powerful move in the French Defense opening.

After 4. Bg5 by White, Black often responds with Be7, developing the bishop and defending the knight on f6. This move also helps in controlling the long diagonal and preparing for the castling move. The bishop on e7 also helps in adding extra support to the pawn structure and can be utilized later in the game, in conjunction with the moves like ...dxe4 or ...c5. Additionally, Be7 can help to relieve the pressure on the f6 knight, which was previously pinned. In sum, the move Be7 is an important development move in the French Defense opening, which establishes a solid foundation for Black's position.