French Defense: Classical Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6
In the Classical variation of the French Defense, Black meets White's development 3.Nc3 by putting more pressure on the e4 pawn with 3...Nf6. Then White can continue with 4.e5 (the Steinitz variation) or 4.Bg5.
Pros:
- Black's play is very sound
- Solid structure
- Counterattack on the wings
Cons:
- Somewhat passive
- White's space advantage
Famous Practitioners: Alexander Morozevich