French Defence

ATTACKING CHESS: THE FRENCH

Ref: p4646

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Simon Williams
Grandmaster Simon Williams presents an ambitious opening repertoire for Black based on the ever-popular French Defence. In particular he recommends the Winawer Variation (3..Bb4) after 3.Nc3 and 3..Nf6 in the Tarrasch System (3.Nd2). He also offers ideas for Black against the Advance Variation, King's Indian Attack and Exchange Variation. The repertoire is illustrated using 59 key games with extensive notes and explanation of Black's plans.
Williams' recommendations are based on his own practical experience in playing the French, where his ideas have stood the test of time against powerful Grandmaster opposition.
Simon Williams is a Grandmaster, an experienced chess coach and a popular writer. He is much-admired for his dynamic and spontaneous attacking style of play.
Published 2011, softback, 320 pages.
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CHESS EXPLAINED: THE FRENCH

Ref: g0095

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Viacheslav Eingorn & Valentin Bogdanov
Chess Explained books provide an understanding of an opening and the middlegames to which it leads, enabling you to find the right moves and plans in your own games. It is as if you were sitting at the board with a chess coach answering your questions about the plans for both sides, the ideas behind particular moves, and what specific knowledge you need to have. In this book the authors show how to handle some of the main lines of the French, including the Winawer 7.Nf3 and 7.Qg4, the Tarrasch with 3..c5; and 3..Nf6; the Advance Variation, the Burn and Rubinstein Systems and the Classical System. Key strategies and tactics are illustrated with the help of 25 annotated games with both sides' possibilities being equally examined. An ideal introduction to the French for club players hoping to take up the opening. Viacheslav Eingorn is a Ukrainian Grandmaster and experienced author. Valentin Bogdanov has been a Ukranian chess coach for over thirty years.

DANGEROUS WEAPONS: THE FRENCH

Ref: p4435

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John Watson
French Defence expert John Watson has reinvigorated some little-explored and shocking systems for both White and Black in this popular, well tested opening. In 14 chapters of illustrative games and analysis he reveals ideas which will slow down your opponent and take them "out-of-book" at an early stage. For White there are original ideas in both the 3.Nd2 and 3.Nc3 variations. For Black Watson has some ingenious schemes after 3.Nc3, 3.e5 and 3.Nd2. Each chapter has illustrative games followed by analysis and concluding with a risk assessment of the recommended system of play. John Watson is a highly respected and popular chess author with titles such as Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy and Play the French to his name.
Published 2007, softback, 320 pages.

FLEXIBLE FRENCH

Ref: n1245

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Viktor Moskalenko
The French Defence is one of the most popular chess openings at all levels. Many of its lines, however, are over-played, over-explored, and therefore overloaded with book theory. Here the author looks at some new and creative ways of playing in the main lines of the French. The idea is to build a repertoire for Black, but some sharp ideas for White are also considered. The material is presented via 75 annotated games - some classic, some modern - in four main sections covering the Advance, Tarrasch, Classical and Winawer systems. A final chapter "Seven Samurai Swords" shows some of the author's latest French Defence ideas in practice. For each recommended line the author explains the historical origins of the variation and the main ideas and resources, presents his own analysis and shows the variation in practice with illustrative games. The Flexible French is a refreshing break from the well-trodden paths, and provides a selection of unusual but very playable ideas. Ukranian Grandmaster Viktor Moskalenko is well known as a champion of anti-dogmatic chess, and has selected some radical but practical variations for both Black and White.
Published 2008, softback, 279 pages.

FRENCH DEFENCE: RELOADED

Ref: x8286

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Nikita Vitiugov
This revised second edition of Vitiugov's repertoire for Black includes updated analysis and new variations and ideas in the French Defence.
Russian Grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov presents, to his readers, the French Defence the way he sees and understands it. His repertoire for Black includes novelties in variations with established reputations as well as the resurrection of some long forgotten ideas. The book is written from Black's point of view but with a thoroughness that keeps the analysis objective: if a line of play is good for White the author says so.
The nine main sections of Vitiugov's book cover Alternatives to 2.d4, the Chigorin Variation and King's Indian Attack, the Advance Variation, the Rubinstein System, the Morozevich Variation (3.Nd2, Be7;), Tarrasch Variation with 3..c5; the Winawer Variation, the MacCutcheon Variation and the Steinitz Variation (3.Nc3,Nf6;). The author's ideas are conveyed using text explanations, analysis and example games.
Published 2012, softback, 360 pages.
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Preface to new edition

HOW TO PLAY AGAINST 1.e4

Ref: p4586

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Neil McDonald
Neil McDonald advocates his favourite opening, the French Defence, but chooses a repertoire for Black that requires only the minimum amount of move memorization. He advocates lines of play against all White's major set-ups, often including alternative approaches for Black to suit players of differing styles. The eight chapters of the book cover the Advance Variation, Exchange Variation, Fort Knox Defence, Classical 4.e5 System, MacCutcheon Variation, Tarrasch 3..Be7, King's Indian Attack and Odds and Ends. So against 3.Nd2, Black could play 3..Be7; or 3..dxe4; both of which are examined here. The repertoire is illustrated using 54 complete master games with extensive annotation and explanations. The book includes graphically illustrated hints, tips and warnings throughout of the kind of ideas and pitfalls abound in each line of play.
English Grandmaster Neil McDonald is an experienced and successful player on the international chess circuit. He is a respected chess coach, who has trained many of the UK's strongest junior players. McDonald is also a talented chess writer and has many outstanding works to his name.
Published 2008, softback, 238 pages.

STARTING OUT: THE FRENCH

Ref: p4229

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Byron Jacobs
An excellent introduction to the French Defence written in reader friendly style with tips, hints and warnings throughout. All major systems are covered and the author includes 81 annotated games to illustrate typical play in each variation. Each chapter starts with an explanation of the various strategies available and concludes with several key games taken mostly from the 1990s. There is perhaps a slight bias towards Black's chances but all White's major options receive coverage. Chapters include: Winawer Variation (Qg4, Positional, Other), Classical Variation (4.e5, 4.Bg5,dxe4; 4.Bg5, Nf6), Tarrasch Variation (3...Nf6; 3...c5; Others) and Various (including Advance Variation & Rubinstein System). Published 2002, softback, 176 pages.

TACTICS IN THE CHESS OPENING 3: FRENCH DEFENCE

Ref: n1162

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Friso Nijboer & Geert van der Stricht
Every chess player loves to win early in the game with a deadly combination or a cunning trap. On the other hand, nobody wants to be tricked by his opponent before the game has really started. The chess opening is a minefield. The popular series Tactics in the Chess Opening teaches casual players and club players how to recognize opportunities to attack early in the game. You will also learn how to avoid standard pitfalls in the opening.
This book explains, in more than 230 carefully selected and annotated games, all the tactical themes and typical traps of the main lines in the French Defence, the Caro-Kann, the Pirc and the Scandinavian Defence. After studying these brilliant surprise attacks, or just enjoying them, the adventurous chess player will win more games.
Published 2005, softback, 240 pages.

FRENCH ADVANCE

Ref: p4391

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Sam Collins
The Advance System (1,e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.e5,) is White's most direct choice against the French Defence. Author Sam Collins has selected and annotated 69 games to provide the reader with enough information to play the Advance french with confidence. The book begins with an introduction to key concepts in the French Advance followed by nine chapters of theory looking at Blacks 5th move alternatives: 5..Qb6; 5..Bd7; 5..Nge7 and irregular lines. The book is written primarily from the point of view of the reader wanting to take up the White side but the analysis is objective. International Master Sam Collins has represented Ireland in three Olympiads and is a chess coach who has lectured at Berkeley Chess School in California.
Published 2006, softback, 176 pages.

FRENCH: ADVANCE AND OTHER LINES

Ref: g0040

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Steffen Pedersen
The main body of this book covers the Advance Variation including 5..Qb6; 5..Bd7; 5..Nge7; and 5..Nh6. There are chapters on the Milner Barry Gambit, 6.a3, and 6.Be2, following 5..Qb6; by Black. The second section of the book looks at the Exchange Variation, King's Indian Attack, Wing Gambit and other rare options for White. Coverage is via numbered variations (B21, C3 etc.) with game fragments quoted in the analysis as well as text explanation. Index of variations included. Steffen Pedersen is a Danish IM and author of several highly-regarded books on chess openings.
Published 2005, softback, 143 pages.

FRENCH DEFENCE ADVANCE VARIATION VOL. 1: BASIC COURSE

Ref: L0523

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Evgeny Sveshnikov
The well-known grandmaster and theoretician Evgeny Sveshnikov has used the Advance Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) more than 150 times in tournament play with a score of more than 70%. Many theoretically important games have been excluded by the author from "official" chess databases, and here they are exclusively published for the first time.
Volume 1 (Basic Course) contains the following main chapters:
Historical overview of the Closed Variation
Plans for White and Black on the basis of 80 thoroughly annotated games
The Many Facets of the blockade
70 test positions: what would you play?
Sveshnikov explains many aspects of the French Advance Variation such as the attack on the king, space advantage, blockade and play on both wings, with illustrative games and test positions. Evgeny Sveshnikov is a Russian Grandmaster and renowned theoretical expert in the French Advance, c3 Sicilian and Sicilian Sveshnikov System.
Published 2007, softback, 176 pages.

FRENCH DEFENCE ADVANCE VARIATION VOL. 2: ADVANCED COURSE

Ref: L0524

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Evgeny Sveshnikov
Volume 2 (Master Course) contains the following main chapters:
61 theoretically important games for independent analysis
Encyclopaedia of variations
Summary of the 3.e5 system
Games for further study
Latest theoretical developments.
This two-volume work is intended for a broad range of chess enthusiasts. The author anticipates that anyone making a thorough study of the available material can expect an improvement in his playing strength in this system of approximate 200 Elo points. Evgeny Sveshnikov is a Russian Grandmaster and renowned theoretical expert in the French Advance, c3 Sicilian and Sicilian Sveshnikov System.
Published 2007, softback, 152 pages.

FIGHTING THE FRENCH: A NEW CONCEPT

Ref: x8283

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Denis Yevseev
"Nowadays the French Defence is one of the most popular opening schemes in response to 1.e4. I should like to suggest a new concept of combating it. White plays 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 and then he deploys his pieces according to the scheme Ngf3, Bd3, c3, 0-0, against almost anything that Black may play (with only minimal exceptions), and this will usually lead to exchanges in the centre and the appearance of an isolated queen's pawn for White..." Denis Yevseev.
An in-depth analysis of this new approach for White against the French Defence after 1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.Nd2. Part one examines the Rubinstein Variation 3..dxe4, part two covers all other 3rd moves for Black, including 3..c5; and 3..Nf6; whilst part 3 is an extensive examination of the IQP positions which arise as a consequence of Yevseev's new repertoire.
In general White does not play his e-pawn to e5 in this system. Instead he maintains it on e4 and defends the d-pawn with c2-c3. After exchanges in the centre he is left with more space and chances for attacking play, but also with an isolated d-pawn - a static weakness.
Denis Yevseev is a grandmaster. He is the winner of many international tournaments as Taraus open (Tampere) 2002, the Petrov Memorial (St. Petersburg) 2002 and the Vashilishin Memorial (Lvov) 2009.
Published 2011, softback, 384 pages.
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FRENCH: TARRASCH VARIATION

Ref: g8349

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Steffen Pedersen
A detailed analysis of the French Tarrasch Variation (1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.Nd2,) in three sections. Part 1 examines lines where Black plays 3..c5; Part 2 looks at 3..Nf6; for Black whilst Part 3 analyses rarer Black options such as 3..Be7; 3..a6; and 3..Nc6. Coverage is via numbered variations (B11, D23 etc.) with game fragments quoted in the analysis as well as text explanation. Index of variations included.
Steffen Pedersen is a Danish International Master and author of several highly-regarded books on chess openings.
Published 2005, softback, 191 pages.

HOW TO BEAT THE FRENCH DEFENCE

Ref: p4567

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The Essential Guide to the Tarrasch
Andreas Tzermiadianos
In How to Beat the French Defence, Andreas Tzermiadianos advocates his favourite weapon against the French - the Tarrasch Variation (3.Nd2). Drawing upon his wealth of playing experience and study of this line, Tzermiadianos reveals an abundance of opening ideas and novelties, and provides the reader with a complete repertoire which is aimed at posing Black serious problems. In part one of the book he begins with an overview of how to study an opening before moving on to explain some typical middlegames and endgames which arise from the French Tarrasch. Parts two to five feature in-depth analysis of all Black's defensive set-ups including 3..c5; 3..Nf6; rare 3rd move alternatives, and 3..dxe4 - the Rubinstein System. The book includes indexes of variations and games. International Master Andreas Tzermiadianos is an experienced tournament player who has enjoyed numerous successes, including winning two Greek Open Championships and representing his country at a Chess Olympiad. He is an opening expert who has written many theoretical articles as well as co-authoring the book Beating the Petroff.
Published 2008, softback, 320 pages.

MAIN LINE FRENCH: 3.Nc3

Ref: g8345

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Steffen Pedersen
The French is a sound and resilient defence, which also provides abundant opportunities for counterplay. As a result it has been favoured by such great fighting players as Lasker, Botvinnik and Korchnoi. Current adherents include Short, Shirov, Morozevich and Khalifman. By playing 3 Nc3, White confronts the French head-on. The upshot is often a ferocious battle as Black tries to destroy or damage White's central pawn phalanx. Some of the variations, such as the notorious Winawer Poisoned Pawn, are among the sharpest in opening theory. However, both sides have quieter, more positional, options at their disposal, so there is truly something for everyone in the Main Line French. This book, the first of two volumes by Pedersen on the French, covers all lines after 3 Nc3, including the Winawer (Nimzowitsch), Classical (including the Steinitz), MacCutcheon and Guimard Variations. There is also a full discussion of 3...dxe4, a move that has found favour among those seeking to avoid theory.
Published 2001, softback, 256 pages.

FRENCH CLASSICAL

Ref: p4232

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Byron Jacobs
The Classical French is back in fashion with GMs as a sound attempt for Black to unbalance the position. Here, in 78 extensively annotated games, the author analyzes the position after 1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.Nc3,Nf6; focusing on White's main attempts 4.e5 and 4.Bg5. He covers the Modern Main Line, Old Main Line, Burn and MacCutcheon systems and the Albin-Chatard Attack as well early deviations. Each chapter has an index of variations and summary of bast play in what is a balanced coverage showing both sides possibilities.
Published 2001, softback, 176 pages.

OPENING FOR WHITE ACCORDING TO ANAND: VOL. 6

Ref: x8247

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Alexander Khalifman
This volume in the series covers lines of the French Defence after 1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.Nc3. Part one considers unusual 3rd moves for Black, including 3..Nc6; Part two examines the Rubinstein Variation after 3..dxe4; whilst part three analyses the Steinitz Variation after 3..Nf6; 4.e5. 4.Bg5, is not included as it does not presently feature in the repertoire of Vishy Anand. As usual the analysis is extensive and up-to-date (6 chapters on the Rubinstein and 8 chapters on the Steinitz Variation). Author Alexander Khalifman was the 14th FIDE World Champion.
Published 2006, softback, 345 pages.

FRENCH WINAWER

Ref: p4276

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Neil McDonald
The Winawer (3…Bb4) is one of the most dangerous variations of the French Defence - for both sides! Coverage in this book is via 48 complete, annotated games which, between them, examine almost every possible variation. Part one of the book looks at main lines after 7.Qg4, 7.Nf3 and 7.a4 whilst part two deals with 5…Ba5, White's 4th and 5th move alternatives and systems where Black avoids 4…c5. A useful manual for both sides.
pub. 2000, softback, 144 pages.

OPENING FOR WHITE ACCORDING TO ANAND: VOL. 7

Ref: x8246

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Alexander Khalifman
Book 7 in the series analyses the position after 1.e4,e6; d4,d5; 3.Nc3,Bb4; 4.e5, the Winawer Variation of the French Defence. Variations covered include 4..b6; 4..Ne7; 4..c5; 5.a3, Ba5; and 4..c5; 5.a3,Bxc3+; 6.bxc3, with 6..Qc7; 6..Ne7; and, in both cases, White playing 7.Qg4, the critical test. After 7.Qg4; Khalifman examines both 7..Qc7; and 7..0-0. As usual, both presentation and analysis are excellent and up-to-date and maintain the standard of this excellent series. In a "White Repertoire" series there is bound to be a certain bias, in the sense of looking for moves which may bring White an advantage, but the author's self respect and stature ensure that objectivity is maintained in the analysis.
Published 2006, softback, 280 pages.

THE WONDERFUL WINAWER

Ref: n1327

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Viktor Moskalenko
Strategic Ideas and Surprise Weapons for Dynamic Chess Players.
After his acclaimed and best-selling book The Flexible French, Viktor Moskalenko now concentrates on the most complicated and most popular of French Defence variations: the Winawer. (1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5; 3.Nc3,Bb4;) The Ukrainian-Spanish Grandmaster embarks on a comprehensive analysis of the Winawer System, based around 35 key games with extensive annotations and text explanations.
Part one examines early deviations where White avoids 4.e5, or 5.a3, also casting an eye over the tricky 4.e5, Ne7.
Part two looks at classical lines in the Winawer with 7.Nf3, or 7.a4, for White, as well as lines where Black avoids 5..Bxc3+, It also covers systems where Black refuses to allow White to capture his king side pawns after 7.Qg4, such as 7..Nf5; and 7..Kf8.
Part three "The Ultimate Winawer" considers the main-line position after 7.Qg4, and Black's responses - either 7..0-0; or 7..Qc7; /7.cxd4. It also analyses the currently popular 6..Qa5.
Moskalenko uses modern examples as well as his own creative discoveries, taking the theory of this important variation to a new level.
With a foreword by Viktor Kortchnoi.
Viktor Moskalenko is a Ukranian Grandmaster and former Ukranian Champion, now living in Spain.
Published 2010, softback, 272 pages.