French Defense: Exchange Variation
The central exchange can create matching pawn structures. The pieces still decide the game: use open files and active development rather than assuming symmetry guarantees a draw.
Your plan as White
Choose between gaining space with e5, exchanging central pawns, or maintaining tension with a knight defending e4.
The opponent’s plan
Challenge the d4–e5 chain with ...c5 and sometimes ...f6. Find a useful route for the light-squared bishop.
Watch out: Pushing the f-pawn too early can expose the king; keeping the center closed forever can leave your pieces passive.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
The French appeared in the London–Paris correspondence match of 1834. Rubinstein, Botvinnik and Korchnoi later contributed to its practical reputation.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.