French Defense: Exchange Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
In the Exchange French, White solves the problem of the attack on e4 in the simplest way - by exchanging on d5. This frees the black bishop on c8, but leads to a symmetrical position where White is to move.
Pros:
- Safe
- Simple
- Little knowledge necessary
Cons:
- Overly simplistic
- Gives up White's potential space advantage In a symmetrical position
- White must show their cards first
Famous Practitioners: Garry Kasparov