Originally posted by Positional PlayerHowever, I don't see how Black is going to get the QB out. Obviously this is quite important for Black's queenside attack as the c8 square is needed by the rook![/b]This is a standard problem in the French. You can move the bishop to d7, e8 and (after the f pawn moves to f6) g6. This is a bit slow so it usually waits until after you've sorted more critical things out first. I managed something similar in one of my games (it's a classical French rather than Tarrasch but the bishop idea is similar) Game 1716901. GAME IS IN PROGRESS SO NO COMMENTS!
Personally, against the tarrasch, I will play 3... c5
1. e4 e6
2. d4 d5
3. Nd2 c5
I just took it up but I have a couple games by Anand, a couple more by Adams etc. using this. As someone else pointed out, this opens up the game. This may be to an e4 players liking but doesn't bother me at all. I play the french for a solid defense, possible counterattacks and endgame chances (usually due to queenside space).
Originally posted by zebanoThat's what i've been recommending. You gotta play it eventually, so get it out there. Don't be afraid of open games. Learn your tactics and you'll be fine.
Personally, against the tarrasch, I will play 3... c5
1. e4 e6
2. d4 d5
3. Nd2 c5
I just took it up but I have a couple games by Anand, a couple more by Adams etc. using this. As someone else pointed out, this opens up the game. This may be to an e4 players liking but doesn't bother me at all. I play the french for a solid defense, possible counterattacks and endgame chances (usually due to queenside space).
Anand plays the French? Ugg, what has my hero done!
Originally posted by Positional PlayerBut it's also a disadvantage for you since you like open games I assume?
Oh, I am not afraid of open games, I play the Scotch Game as White when I get the oppurtunity and will gladly play an open Sicilian. It is just a psychological thing, to avoid the kind of game that White is more likely to play for with 1.e4. Plus the 3...Nf6 line is a little less well known.
Why play the french if you like open games?
Originally posted by Positional PlayerGot ya. I just seems strange to me that as white you would play the and open game like the scotch but with black to play a closed game with the french.
Did I say that? I like to play closed games too. As White when I have the initiative I go for the open game but with Black I prefer to psyche them out with stupid grins, stifled chuckles etc to psyche them out 😵