rare french line 1.e4 e6 2.d4 c5!?

does anyone have seggestions on how to play aganst this line

Originally posted by wormer
does anyone have seggestions on how to play aganst this line

Originally posted by Kepler
One possibility would be 3. Nf3 when you have transposed to an e6 Sicilian. A habitual French player may not be too happy with such a position.

Originally posted by wormer
the problem with this is that its alot of therory

Originally posted by Kepler
That's true of many openings, even the standard French lines have a fair amount of theory. It may be that black is out avoid theory by playing c5 instead of d5 so dropping him into a Sicilian may cause him severe pain. An alternative would be to play 2. d3 instead of 2. d4 and then go for a King's Indian Attack. KIA is effective against the French and often comes as a surprise.

Originally posted by wormer
this would lead to a closed a game. Its true Fisher was succesfull with it, but what about 2.Nc3 if 2...c5 then 3.f4

if 2...Be7 than what? 3.Nf3?c5

The "theoretical" move as I recall is 3 d5. The benoni-like positions you get are supposed to be good for white, but I don't know the lines. I think you play Nc3 without c4 and develop quickly.

1 e4 e6 2 d4 c5 is called the Franco-Benoni Defense. The most serious attempt for White to obtain a clear opening advantage is considered to be 3 d5.

I've played this a couple of times with White (and thought about playing it with Black for a while but decided it's just good for White).

The previous posters are totally right.

3. d5 is a definite edge for White. White should probably refrain from playing c4 at an early stage and instead play Ng1-f3-d2-c4 and follow up with Bf4 to pressure d6 (where Black will almost certainly put a pawn).

The difference between this and a regular Benoni is that after ... exd5 White can take back with the e-pawn not the c-pawn. This leaves an open e-file rather than a semi-open file with White having a pawn on e4. In that case Black gets much of his play by hitting against the centre but in the Franco-Benoni there's nothing to hit.

3. d5 is the move which will capitalise on this move order transposition. The name of Blacks setup (I think) is called the Franco-Sicilian if my memory serves me correctly.

I'm trying the wing gambit (1.e4...e6 2.Nf3...d5 3.e5...c5 4.b4...cxb4 5.d4) against the French as suggested by Nigel Davies.

I have to say, not looking so great in my one G.I.P 🙁

Originally posted by Squelchbelch
I'm trying the wing gambit (1.e4...e6 2.Nf3...d5 3.e5...c5 4.b4...cxb4 5.d4) against the French as suggested by Nigel Davies.

I have to say, not looking so great in my one G.I.P 🙁

I think the best for white is 3.d5 exd5 4.exd5 d6 5.Bd3 6.c4 7.Nc3 8.h3 9.Nf3 etc....

Originally posted by wormer
I think the best for white is 3.d5 exd5 4.exd5 d6 5.Bd3 6.c4 7.Nc3 8.h3 9.Nf3 etc....