The main line where White pins the knight and Black develops solidly.
1.e4 - Controls the center.
1...e6 - French Defense. Black prepares ...d5.
2.d4 - White establishes a strong pawn center.
2...d5 - Black challenges e4 immediately.
3.Nc3 - White defends e4 and develops.
3...Nf6 - Black develops and attacks e4.
4.Bg5 - White pins the knight, creating pressure.
4...Be7 - Black unpins and prepares to castle.
White's plans: Play e5 to gain space. Attack on the kingside or maintain tension.
Black's plans: Castle, play ...b6 and ...Bb7. Break with ...c5 or ...f6.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.