Originally posted by zebanoWatson's book is terrific, although he neglects the Classical French. Many strong positional players favor this line.
That is more or less the "bible" for some players in the french defense clan. I don't own it so I can't comment on it more than to say that some people rant and rave about it.
Personally, the light square bishop is a monster if you can free it. That said, it's most important that you continue to play activly than to focus on freeing one piece. In many case ...[text shortened]... be willing to sacrafice the exchange in certain lines if you want to have winning chances.
Like all bibles, Watson's book must be read critically.
- Joined
- 03 Sep 03
- Moves
- 89331
1 edit
Originally posted by WulebgrGlad to hear, I just ordered it this morning. After zebano said the exact same thing to me. "That is more or less the "bible" for some players in the french defense clan."
Watson's book is terrific, although he neglects the Classical French. Many strong positional players favor this line.
Like all bibles, Watson's book must be read critically.
I shall have to do a book review when I done reading it. Btw, I think a Chess books forum, might be a good idea. Of course, heavily moderated to keep it books or training dvds reviews only.
i hate the french defense. blacks plans for this opening is to attack whites pawns in the center. he can do so by c5 or f6 c5 is played early and f6 is played later in the game basically if its done right black will have a pawn majority in the center while white has to try and fend off the pawns. after you destroy whites pawn center yoru white bishop comes into play.
Originally posted by SharastaniAre there any good books or DVD's about the French Defence that are a must for the French player apart from Play the French?
In my opinion, McDonalds Mastering the French is better if you are under 2200 or so
I'm still really unsure about the French, I've been playing it for a few months now but I still am not so sure how to handle aggressive moves such as Qg4 (especially in the Classical variation), because it makes kingside development very difficult 🙁
Originally posted by skimsDanny King videos are good. He explains things very clearly although if you like to play the Winawer variation then it may not be for you as it is ignored in both videos. The first covers advance ,exchange, KID and he recommends an unusual line against the classical,steinitz and tarrasch. The second covers more a more usual defence against the classical,steinitz and tarrasch
Are there any good books or DVD's about the French Defence that are a must for the French player apart from Play the French?
I'm still really unsure about the French, I've been playing it for a few months now but I still am not so sure how to handle aggressive moves such as Qg4 (especially in the Classical variation), because it makes kingside development very difficult 🙁
Originally posted by SharastaniAre there any GM's that play the French who's games I could study? I don't know of any GM's who play it regularly...
Danny King videos are good. He explains things very clearly although if you like to play the Winawer variation then it may not be for you as it is ignored in both videos. The first covers advance ,exchange, KID and he recommends an unusual line against the classical,steinitz and tarrasch. The second covers more a more usual defence against the classical,steinitz and tarrasch
1 edit
Originally posted by skims"Among the proponents of the French Defense have been such notable players as Mikhail Botvinnik, David Bronstein, Tigran Petrosian, Boris Ivkov and Viktor Korchnoi. In more recent years, their chorus has been joined by Ulf Andersson, Rafael Vaganian, Boris Gulko, Robert Huebner, Yasser Seirawan and Ivan Farago. However, a special tribute should be offered to the two premiere French Defense players of all time, Aaron Nimzovich and Wolfgang Uhlmann. It was Nimzovich who discovered how to play the opening in an original and profound manner, and his games established the French Defense as an aggressive, counterattacking defense and have contributed much to its enduring appeal. Uhlmann has played 1...e6 exclusively for 30 years, time and again providing key new moves and ideas to revive lines which appeared to be refuted. His uniquely dominant role in French theory has no parallel in all of modern practice."
Are there any GM's that play the French who's games I could study? I don't know of any GM's who play it regularly...
Knut Neven, "Introduction" French with 3.Nc3, ChessBase Training CD
Originally posted by skimsFor many years I have been playing the Rubinstein Variation (1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 [or Nd2] de 4 Ne4).
I have John Watson's book 'Play the French' which is very good, but most of the moves and plans aren't explained enough for me 😛
Does anyone have any lines to recommend? In particular, I am wondering whether to play the Winiware or the Classical against 3.Nc3.
I think the Classical suits my style more but the Winaware looks interesting and exciting. Any thoughts?
Thanks 🙂
The usual move for Black here is 4...Nd7. In "Action Chess", Cecil Purdy recommends 4...Be7, which is what I usually play.
In their World Championship Match, Karpov played 4...Bd7 against Kamsky and won.
One of Capablanca's early wins in a match featured him playing 4...Bd7 as well.
The variation that is probably best (but it requires a lot of homework!) is the Winewar (1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Bb4).
Originally posted by gaychessplayerAkobian plays some wierd stuff (he is the one in California... yes?) against the advance. I rather enjoy it though I've not had success finding a collection of his games (I havn't looked beyond my personal db and twic).
Korchnoi still plays the French regularly. Young GM Varzun Akobian plays the French exclusively against 1 e4.
Originally posted by zebanoGM Varzun Akobian lives in California. He is a chess instructor in addition to being a very successful tournament player.
Akobian plays some wierd stuff (he is the one in California... yes?) against the advance. I rather enjoy it though I've not had success finding a collection of his games (I havn't looked beyond my personal db and twic).