ECO code: C00
French Defense: St. George Defense, Three Pawn Attack
The opening moves are: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 a6 3. c4
Characteristic of the move: Black's 2...a6 is an unusual and flexible waiting move known as the St. George Defense. It aims to prevent White's pieces from easily advancing on the queenside and prepares for a possible ...b5 push to challenge White’s center and queenside control. White responds with 3. c4, establishing a strong pawn center with three pawns on d4, e4, and c4, hence the name "Three Pawn Attack."
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening is decidedly attacking, as White aggressively stakes out space in the center and on the queenside. Black’s ...a6 is more defensive and preparatory, aiming to undermine White’s center later rather than contesting it immediately.
Control of the center: White clearly aims to attack and dominate the center with pawns on e4, d4, and c4, establishing a broad pawn presence. Black has not challenged the center directly yet but intends to counterattack it later, often by playing ...b5 to challenge the c4 pawn and undermine White’s center indirectly.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: St. George Defense, Three Pawn Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #9 white