The Bulletproof French Defense

GM Fabien Libiszewski

The French Defense has been a favorite of many of the world’s top players, including
former World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik and the legendary Viktor Korchnoi.

In the modern day, Wesley So, Ding Liren and Alexander Morozevich all rely on the French
as one of their major opening weapons.

Now you can learn this powerful opening from a world-renowned expert, French GM Fabien
Libiszewski. Over the course of 17 hours, Fabien reveals how to counter all of White’s
setups from the main lines to the dangerous gambits and offbeat deviations.

You will learn grandmaster strategies that will turn your initial cramped position into total
domination of the board, plus discover sneak ways to lure your rivals into tempting but
deadly traps that give you quick wins.

The Bulletproof French Defense works perfectly as both a complete training course and as
an invaluable reference guide. And who better to learn the French Defense from than a
French GM!

The course is divided into 7 parts:

Chapter 1: Introduction and Model Games

Chapter 2: Introduction to our Repertoire
Chapter 3: French Defense Exchange Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5)
Chapter 4: French Defense Advance Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5)
Chapter 5: Chapter 5: French Defense Tarrasch Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2)
Chapter 6: Chapter 6: French Defense 3.Nc3 (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3)
Chapter 7: Chapter 7: French Defense – King’s Indian Attack and Sidelines

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Chapter 1: Introduction and Model Games

1. The French Defense is a chess opening for Black against 1.e4. It has the
reputation to be resilient and solid, and it occurs after the moves 1.e4 e6. You
can see this position below.

2. In almost all main lines White seizes more

space in the center with 2.d4 d5.
3. Black fights for the center straight away and
creates a very solid e6-d5 pawn chain.
4. White is at a crossroad, as his e-pawn is under
attack. He can either release the tension in the
center by exchanging the e4 pawn for Black’s
d5-pawn (3.exd5), push his e-pawn (3.e5) or
keep the tension in the center by protecting
the e-pawn with 3.Nc3, 3.Nd2 or 3.Bd3.
There are various pawn structures which can
arise from the French Defense.
5. In the variations where White plays an early e4-e5, Black has more space on the
queenside. For this reason, he tends to focus his play on that side of the board
and almost always plays the move ...c7–c5 at some point to attack White's pawn
chain at its base (d4).
6. It is important to understand that one of Black’s main ideas in the French Defense
is to put White’s center under pressure by attacking the pawns on d4 and e5.
7. As the move ...c7–c5 alone is rarely enough to break down White’s center, Black
goes for another pawn break with ...f7–f6, challenging the e5-pawn.
8. Black’s main problem in the French Defense is developing the light-squared
bishop on c8, which is locked in by the pawn on e6 and – if Black plays carelessly
- can remain passive for the entire game.
9. There are, however, numerous plans that may help Black to activate his light-
squared bishop later on in the game.
10. One idea for activating the bishop can be seen in the Kupper - Petrosian. When
Petrosian played the move …f6, he intended to challenge White’s center and
simultaneously create a route to activate his light-squared bishop via c8-d7-e8-
h5-g4-f3, finally bringing his bishop to the excellent e4 square.

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 11. Another way to activate the c8 bishop is to
play the freeing move …e5. This break
frequently occurs in structures where Black
plays …f6 undermining White’s center. With
so much pressure on e5, it is usually in
White’s interest to take on f6. Later, Black
can play a well-timed …e5.
12. Apart from this general knowledge on the
French Defense, GM Fabien Libiszewski
suggests following strong players in the
openings you want to play.
13. Regularly check the games of the world’s
leading experts or your favorite players in the French. You will see how they deal
with different setups and become familiar with the key concepts, latest trends or
opening novelties. It also pays to know the classics in the opening you play.
14. One of the greatest French Defense experts of all time is Viktor Korchnoi. He
played the French Defense for the whole of his career and with great success. It
is tremendously beneficial for any French Defense player to study his games. On
top of that, GM Fabian Libiszewski recommends studying the games of Mikhail
Botvinnik, Tigran Petrosian and Rafael Vaganian – three more French Defense
experts.

Chapter 2: Introduction to our Repertoire

1. Once you’ve chosen an opening, aim for an overview of the relevant material on
the French. GM Fabien Libiszewski provides you with a complete and bulletproof
French Defense repertoire!
2. He not only covers all the main lines but also important sidelines and move order
tricks. On top of that, he gives more than one recommendation against a certain
line. This allows you to stay flexible within your opening system. GM Libiszewski
also explains why he recommends certain lines over others (for example the
Winawer Variation against 3.Nc3 or the main line in the Tarrasch Defense).

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 3. The course is divided into five larger chapters, each of them containing several
subchapters. GM Libiszewski includes both theoretical sections in each chapter
and presents instructive model games which demonstrate the variations he
covers.
4. The third chapter deals with the Exchange Variation 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
exd5.
5. The fourth chapter is about the Advance Variation 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5.
6. The fifth chapter deals with the move 3.Nd2 and arises – as the name suggests –
after the moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2.
7. Chapter six covers the most frequently played variation against the French
Defense 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3.
8. The seventh and final chapter is about White’s other options to play against the
French Defense such as the King’s Indian Attack (KIA) or the line after 1.e4
e6 2.d4 d5 3.Bd3.

Chapter 3: French Defense Exchange Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5)

1. Many White players like to avoid the strategically complex lines with a closed
center in the French Defense. Instead, they choose to clarify the situation in the
center early on by exchanging on d5. These positions are a lot simpler and easier
to play than other lines of the French Defense.
2. The Exchange Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5) leads to a symmetrical
pawn structure. Although White can’t hope for an opening advantage in this
variation, it is also difficult to play for a win as Black. White has an extra tempo in
a symmetrical structure. The Exchange variation is often played by players looking
for a quick draw with White.
3. The good news for Black, however, is that White can’t force a draw in this line.
According to GM Fabian Libiszewski, Black can unbalance the position by castling
on the opposite side to White.
4. GM Fabien Libiszewski suggests two good options against the move 4.Bd3. Black
can either play 4…c5 or 4…Nc6.
5. Black gets an isolated d-pawn after 4…c5, but White’s bishop is not ideally placed
on d3 as it blocks the d-file. Black’s d-pawn often turns out not to be a weakness

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 as White can’t attack it. Black can develop all his pieces with ease and often plays
an early …Ne4, putting pressure on White’s kingside dark-squares.
6. If Black plays 4…Nc6, he immediately attacks White’s d-pawn. Black’s main idea in
this variation is to play …Bd6, …Nge7, …Qd7 and castle queenside. He aims for a
position with opposite-side castling in which he has good prospects to attack on
the kingside.
7. If White plays 4.Bf4, Black has nothing to fear. Black should go for 4…Bd6 and
exchange the dark-squared bishops. Afterwards, Black can easily develop his
pieces in a symmetrical position.
8. White’s most ambitious try in the Exchange Variation is probably 4.c4. Black
should answer this move with 4…Bb4+ 5.Nc3 Nf6. It is important to remember
that Black does not want to take too early on c4. Black only takes the c4-pawn
once White has moved his light-squared bishop. White usually has to place his
knight from g1 on e2, because Nf3 can always be answered with the nasty pin
…Bg4.
9. The most common move for White in the
Exchange Variation is 4.Nf3. GM Libiszewski
presents two options against this move:
4…Nc6 and 4…Nf6.
The move 4…Nc6 gives Black better chances
to play for a win, while the move 4…Nf6 is a
more solid approach. After 4…Nc6, Black
needs to be familiar with the line 5.Bb5 (5.Bd3
only transposes to the 4.Bd3 line) 5…Bd6 6.c4
dxc4 7.d5 (pinning and attacking the knight)
a6! 8.Ba4 b5! 9.dxc6 bxa4. Black gets active
piece play and the bishop pair in return for his
damaged pawn structure.
10. The move 4…Nf6 leads to quiet play after 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.0-0 (6.Qe2+ Be6!). Black is
a tempo down in a completely symmetrical structure, but he should manage to
equalize easily.
11. In general, Black does not need to fear the Exchange variation. Although some
professional players come up with a subtle new idea in this line every now and
then, White usually only plays this line when looking for a draw.

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Chapter 4: French Defense Advance Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5)

1. The Advance Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) is a popular line for White against
the French Defense and usually leads to a complex strategic battle.
2. By playing 3.e5, White releases the tension in the center by closing it. White tries
to gain a space advantage and fixes the pawn chain. He also hopes to restrict
Black’s c8 bishop for a long time. Due to his space disadvantage, Black’s main
problem is placing his pieces on sensible squares.
3. However, the 3.e4-e5 pawn advance has its weaknesses too. Now Black starts
pressuring the center with 3… c7-c5 (attacking the pawn chain at its base) and
the d4 pawn becomes problematic. White usually has to play 4.c3 to stabilize the
center. Later, Black can increase the pressure on the d4 pawn with …Nc6, …Qb6
and …Nh6-f5.

An additional problem for White is the

pressure on the b2 pawn after Black plays
…Qb6. This makes it hard for White to
develop the c1 bishop.
4. If White plays the rare variation 1.e4 e6
2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.dxc5, Black should not
recapture on c5 immediately (4…Bxc5?!
5.Qg4!). Instead, Black should play
4…Nc6 first, attacking the pawn on e5.
After 5.Nf3, Black can finally take the
pawn with 5…Bxc5 and play …f6 next,
eliminating White’s last central pawn.
5. White’s early queen move 4.Qg4, an idea
introduced by Nimzowitsch, is best met with 4…Nc6, attacking the pawn on d4,
5.Nf3 Qa5+! If White blocks the check with 6.c3, Black continues with 6…cxd4
and White can’t recapture with the c-pawn. If White blocks the check with 6.Bd2,
Black plays 6…Qb6, attacking the pawns on b2 and d4.

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6. Therefore, White’s main move is 4.c3, stabilizing the center. After 4…Nc6, White
has another sideline with 5.Be3 Qb6! 6.Qd2, protecting the pawn on b2, 6…Bd7
7.Nf3, Black should play 7…cxd4! 8.cxd4 Rc8 9.Nc3 Na5!, stopping White’s knight
from coming to c5 via a4. Black is fine in this line.
A key rule in the Advance variation is not to take on d4 before White moves his b1
knight. If the knight is still on b1, he can come to c3 in one move. From c3, it can
come to a4 and c5. However, the variation with 5.Be3 is an exception to this rule
as Black is in time to play …Na5!, covering the
a4 square and starting action on the queenside
himself.

7. Finally, the main line of the Advance variation

starts 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3.
Here, GM Libiszewski suggests playing the
move 5…Bd7 – the absolute main move for
Black in this position. 5…Qb6 is another
fashionable move in this line, but not part of
the repertoire GM Libiszewski presents. Now,
White is at a crossroad. His main moves are 6.Be2, 6.a3 and 6.Bd3.
8. The move 6.Bd3 leads to the Milner- Barry Gambit. After the moves 6…cxd4
7.cxd4 Qb6 8.0-0 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4, Black wins a pawn but falls behind in
development. Still, the gambit is not
completely sound for White. GM Libiszewski
does not recommend to take a second pawn
after 10.Nc3 (10.Qxe5 11.Re1 Qb8 12.Nxd5
is possible, but dangerous), but to play
10…a6 and develop the knight from g8 as
quickly as possible. As the Milner- Barry
Gambit is quite sharp, it is recommended to
check this line carefully in the PGN file.

9. After 6.a3, Black has two good options:

6…f6 and 6…c4. With 6…f6, Black tries to
undermine White’s center immediately. With the move 6…c4, Black makes use of

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 the fact that White already weakened his structure on the queenside. Black can
occupy the weak b3 square later in the game. What’s more, the move …c4 is
usually undesirable for Black as White could go for the b3 break and, after …cxb3
axb3, White could play c4. With the move a3 included, however, White can’t play
b3 and recapture with the a-pawn after …cxb3.
10. The move 6.Be2 leads to the absolute main line of the Advance variation. Here,
GM Libiszewski suggests playing the move 6…Nge7 with the idea of bringing the
knight to g6, …Be7, …0-0 and then undermining White’s center with the typical
move …f6.

Chapter 5: French Defense Tarrasch Variation (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2)

1. The variation with 3.Nd2, known as the Tarrasch variation, looks like a modest
and harmless approach at first glance. However, appearances can be deceptive!
2. White wants to keep his pawn center on the e4 and d4 squares and simply
continues developing his pieces. In contrast to the line with 3.Nc3, the
main idea of this setup is to avoid the pin of the knight by …Bb4. White keeps his
c-pawn free to move and 3…Bb4?! can be answered by 4.c3.
3. The drawback of White’s setup, however, is that the knight on d2 blocks in the c1
bishop. White can’t develop his queenside easily and this should give some
benefits to Black.
4. GM Libiszewski recommends the move 3…Nf6 for Black against this line. However,
he also mentions that there are plenty of interesting alternatives for Black. Black
can play 3…c5 (the second most popular move and a move which Korchnoi used
in his Candidates Match against Spassky), 3…Nc6, 3…Be7 or even 3…a6. When
learning a new opening, it is usually a good approach to start by learning one line
against each system in detail. Later, you can expand your repertoire step by step
and start to vary within your opening by including more variations in your
repertoire.
5. After 3…Nf6, White’s main move is by far 4.e5. White can also play 4.Bd3. Here,
Black should reply with 4…c5 5.c3 (White can still transpose to the main line with
5.e5 Nfd7) 5…Nc6 6.Ngf3 cxd4 7.cxd4 dxe4 8.Nxe4. Black reaches a favorable
version of a position in which he is playing against an IQP. Black can play …Be7,

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 …0-0, …b6, …Bb7 and the maneuver …Nc6-b4-d5 to block White’s isolated d-
pawn.

6. In the main line after 3…Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7,

White can play with or without the move
f4.
7. The move 5.f4 is an ambitious try. White
wants to play with a full center and Black
has to challenge it quickly. GM Libiszewski
suggests an interesting plan for Black
here. Black should play 5…c5 6.c3 Nc6. As
usual in the French Defense, Black
challenges White’s center and White tries
to defend it. 7.Ndf3 (White wants to bring
the knight from d2 to f3 and the knight
from g1 to e2 in order to protect the d-pawn with both knights. 7…cxd4!? (7…Qb6
is the main move) 8.cxd5 f5!? With this move, Black stops White’s expansion on
the kingside. After 8…f5, White won’t be able to play the typical move f4-f5,
creating an attack on the kingside. White needs to switch plans and prepare the
move g4, breaking open the kingside. In the meantime, however, Black can create
serious counterplay on the queenside.
8. If White doesn’t play 5.f4, he can go for a sharp system after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5
3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Bd3 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.Ne2 Nc6 (Black needs to find a way to
bring his light-squared bishop into play.) 7…cxd4! (Black wants to play the move
…f6, challenging the center. However, it is important to remember to start this
plan with 7…cxd4. If Black plays 7…f6 immediately, White has 8.Nf4, attacking the
pawn on e6 and threatening Qh5+. With 7…cxd4 8.cxd4 included, Black can
counter the move Nf4 with …Nxd4.) 8.cxd4 f6 9.Nf4. In this line, Black has lost
the exchange, but gets some very strong central pawns in return. The key moves
to remember are 9…Nxd4! 10.Qh5+ Ke7 11.exf6+ Nxf6 12.Ng6+ hxg6 13.Qxh8
Kf7. Black’s plan is to play …e5 and activate his light-squared bishop.

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 9. Apart from the sharp move 9.Nf4, White
can go for the absolute main line in the
Tarrasch variation with 9.exf6. Here, GM
Libiszewski does not recommend the main
move 9…Nxf6 with thousands of games
and a lot of theory to learn by heart.
Instead, he recommends the move
9…Qxf6. Black’s next moves are …h6
(preventing White from playing Bg5 with
the idea to go for the maneuver Bg5-h4-g3
and to exchange the dark-squared bishops.
It is key to remember that Black does not
want to exchange the dark-squared bishops.), …Bd6, …0-0. Black has a
comfortable position and play along the half-open f-file. Sometimes, Black can go
for an exchange sacrifice on f3, eliminating an important defender of the center,
winning White’s d4 pawn and getting two strong central pawns as well as
extremely active pieces.

Chapter 6: French Defense 3.Nc3 (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3)

1. The move 3.Nc3 is the most natural and frequently played move for White against
the French Defense. White develops his knight to a good square and protects the
pawn on e4 at the same time.
2. Black has three main options against White’s setup, 3...dxe4 (the Rubinstein
Variation), 3...Bb4 (the Winawer Variation) and GM Libiszewski suggestion
3...Nf6 (the Classical Variation).
3. After the moves 3.Nc3 Nf6, White has two main options – 4.Bg5 and 4.e5 (the
Steinitz Variation).
4. After 4.Bg5, White threatens 5.e5 attacking the pinned knight on f6. GM
Libiszewski recommends the move 4…Be7 for Black. Another popular and
fashionable try for Black is 4…dxe4, the Burn variation.
5. After 4.Bg5 Be7, the main line is 5.e5 Nfd7 6.Bxe7 (6.h4 is an interesting
alternative, the so-called Alekhine-Chatard Attack. GM Libiszewski recommends
declining this gambit with 6…Nc6.) Qxe7 7.f4 a6 (directed against the move Nb5)

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 8.Nf3 Nb6 9.Qd2 Bd7 10.Bd3 c5. Finally, Black starts to counterattack with the
typical move …c5.

6. After 4.e5, the Steinitz variation, GM

Libiszewski suggests the following line:
4…Nfd7 5.f4 (White builds up a strong center)
5…c5 (Black tries to undermine the center)
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5. Black has
two main ideas in this position, undermining
the center with the move …f6 and creating
counterplay on the queenside by pushing his
a- and b-pawns.

Chapter 7: French Defense – King’s Indian Attack and Sidelines

1. The starting position of the King’s Indian Attack against the French arises after the
moves 1e4 e6 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.0-0 0-0.
Here, Black has two options. He can go for the
main move 8.e5 or play the tricky waiting
move 8.Re1.
2. Generally speaking, White’s idea is the
following: If Black castles to the kingside,
White plays e5 and goes for a kingside attack.
The move 8.e5 is strong because it removes a
defender (the knight on f6) from the Black
king. As we all know, knights – if they are next
to the king – are excellent defending pieces.
3. While White tries to launch an attack against
Black’s king, Black tries to create counterplay
on the queenside. A typical attacking pattern for White is to play Bf4, Nf1, h4,
Nh2, Ng4 and Ng5. Sometimes, White can also play h5 and h6.

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4. Moreover, with White’s bishop on f4 and Black’s queen on c7, White can
sometimes sacrifice his knight on d5 and play e5-e6 on the next move, attacking
the queen on c7 and the knight on d7. Therefore, it’s wise for Black to remove the
queen from c7 once White plays Bf4.
5. 8.Re1 is a clever waiting move. White keeps his cards close to his chest. He can
still play e5 on the next move, but he can also take on d5. Black is best advised to
expand on the queenside with 8…b5. Afterwards, the light-squared bishop can
come to b7. Black should not have any problems in this line.
6. Finally, GM Libiszewski covers rare sidelines like 2.b3, 2.Nf3 and 2.f4. None of
these lines are particularly challenging for Black. Still, it’s useful to become familiar
with Fabian’s recommendations against them.

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