Ask Coach Jessica: Toasting the French, Part 1

Hi ChessKids! This week, I'm going to tackle the opening question by Mindless Rocket: How do you play against the French? 

There are lots of great choices. Here are the basic variations to start with. The French is a fairly safe opening for Black (I mean you stopped the four-move mate, like, instantly); although, personally, I would prefer to play White and attack the kingside! By, Mrs Jessica E Prescott (aka BoundingOwl).

Click on the arrows to see my comments!

This opening has been around for about 200 years! The most popular lines with GMs these days are the Classical (3. Nc3) or the Tarrasch (3. Nd2). Although, my students all like the Advance Variation (3. e5), which I think is a very nice line to play, since the plans are fairly clear (Monster Attack the king!).

But let's see how current World Champ Magnus does it! Notice how he develops all his pieces and castles. Then he prevents Black from castling, and Magnus uses all his pieces together in an attack.

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That was the Tarrasch variation. Here is Magnus again, playing the Advance! I'm including the whole game so you can see how cool Magnus is under pressure of attack, and how solid his endgame technique is. (Simplify when you're ahead!) But if you just want to see the opening, you can stop at move 12.
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Now here is a puzzle for you, from a game World Champion Alekhine played in 1931. He won this miniature in 11 moves! The French is toast! White mates in two, using the Boden's or Criss Cross Mate. Hint below...
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Hint:  Queen sacrifice!!
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Nice job kids! Next week, more French Toast! Keep sending me your games and questions to the Ask Coach Jessica forum!

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