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.
French Defense: Classical Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6
This variation is a key line in the French Defense where Black develops the knight to f6, directly challenging White's strong pawn center on e4 and d4. The move 3...Nf6 is characteristic because it puts immediate pressure on White's central e4-pawn and prepares for active piece play rather than a purely passive or defensive setup.
From White's perspective, this variation encourages a solid and flexible approach to maintaining central control, often leading to complex middlegame battles. For Black, the Classical Variation is both defensive and counterattacking: while Black aims to undermine White’s center, it also develops pieces actively and prepares counterplay.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. White establishes a strong pawn duo on e4 and d4, while Black, with the move Nf6, immediately challenges this control, signaling an intention to fight for the center rather than concede it.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Classical Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 62 - Move #5 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Classical Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.