
The French Defense isn't playable.
Part 2Over the last ten days, I have focused on analyzing the French Defense.
My initial goal was to show that this opening is not viable at the highest levels of chess.
Using modern tools, engines, and databases, I wanted to prove that Black cannot consistently achieve equality with this defense.
But after completing my research, I realized that the French Defense is not as simple to dismiss as I first thought.
The title of this article, “The French Defense is Unplayable,” may sound strong. However, the truth is more balanced.
While the French Defense does present Black with certain structural problems—like the bad light-squared bishop and pawn weaknesses—it is still very playable.
For White to win against the French Defense regularly, a deep level of preparation and practical accuracy is required.
What My Research Found
I studied many games, both human and computer, and analyzed them in detail.
This included exploring main lines, side variations, and even potential novelties.
My study uncovered moments where the French Defense held its ground, even under pressure.
One thing became clear: the French Defense does not give Black an easy game, but it also punishes White if they are not precise.
Many players fail to exploit the opening’s weaknesses because they lack the necessary preparation or understanding.
This is why I cannot call the French Defense completely "unplayable."
A Video Analysis for Players
As part of this study, I created a video to explain my findings. In the video, I discuss the key ideas of the French Defense, showing both its weaknesses and its hidden strengths. It is designed to help players understand the theoretical basis of this opening and apply it in their own games.
The video also highlights my work as a chess theoretician. By showing practical examples and deep analyses, I hope to guide players who want to improve their skills against or with the French Defense.
https://youtu.be/nHMRA08GT7M
Why This Is My Final Post on the French Defense
This is the last time I will write about the French Defense. As a chess coach and theoretician, my main job is to create opening novelties and help players succeed. This type of research takes a lot of time and effort, and it cannot be done for free.
Destroying an opening or developing new ideas requires dedication and resources, and my work as a second and coach is what supports me. While I enjoy sharing knowledge with the chess community, it is important to respect the value of this work.
If you are interested in exploring my findings further or want personalized coaching, I encourage you to reach out. For now, I leave the French Defense behind—not as a broken opening, but as one that deserves both respect and careful preparation.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the future!
Sources : Add the letter "h" before each link to get to the websites/videos.
ttps://www.chessprogramming.org/Ethereal
ttps://www.chessprogramming.org/Castling
The ability to delay castling is evaluated as an asset worth more than 3 points.
The Stockfish line (the one included in the study) agrees with this assessment.
Stockfish's main line continues to show no practical advantage for Black.
ttps://youtu.be/yXJGOJj4KSM?si=v2fSaxUkpYG3K7vY
from 20:34.
ttps://youtu.be/44PTb43Jjqw?si=PdN7oz8Y5333vvQl
ttps://youtu.be/tjH6NGWZrcA?si=NIy1xnAua5wFse2j
ttps://youtu.be/y4OcbAjtleU?si=g-2i4o2phGGT-ouU
ttps://youtu.be/xce606hFT7c?si=fjWvCZZWUqvCZ0zK from 46:55
New way of playing the french with the black pieces :
ttps://youtu.be/_iVOxQYqDHI?si=cqqMsA1oM-aPss-a
ttps://youtu.be/OIGZIrtK000?si=ixY52p9gvj0-WovB
ttps://youtu.be/tjH6NGWZrcA?si=E4V0XBExNat2v5An
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