3 Ways to ATTACK against the French Defense

Sick and tired of playing against the super solid French Defense? In this blog we will explore three different ways that we can attack the French Defense out of the advance variation:

The French Defense is one of black's most popular defense; it is a defense that many club players struggle against. What could be so hard about facing 1...e6? - Well, it is a solid move that slowly prepares black's expansion into the centre whilst simultaneously protecting the f7 pawn on the a2-g8 diagonal - A desirable home for white's bishop. As you get through the first few moves, the French offers great flexibility for black in the plans he wishes to choose - From quiet solid positions such as the Rubinstein to explosive positions such as the double-edged Winawer variation, the French offers many ways for the black player to continue. 

One common complaint from the white player about playing against the French Defense is that it is difficult to attack black's solid position. However this is far from the truth - White can get some very interesting attacking positions to take down this defense:

Option 1# The Nimzowitsch Attack/Gambit

The Nimzowitsch Attack/Gambit is a funny looking line that borrows similar ideas to the Winawer variation by developing the queen early to g4:

This is a line I have enjoyed immensely over the years as a way to create pressure on black's position:

Black has got a myriad of different ways to respond to the Nbd2 move which will require more intense study. However lets see one of these variations in action: 

It is fair to say that the Milner-Barry Gambit has got a ruthless and intimidating reputation as being a scary line to crack through Black's defense:

There we have it: Three dangerous ways to play against the French Defense. I hope these different ways can provide you with some interesting wins in your next games against this solid defense! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any interesting ways of playing against this defense.