Chess opening · ECO C11
French Defense: Classical Variation
The French Defense: Classical Variation starts 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6. It ranks #116 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
- 2. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 2... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is e5; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Bg5.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | e5 69% | exd5 31% | – |
| 1200–1399 | e5 52% | Bg5 20% | exd5 15% |
| 1400–1599 | e5 62% | Bg5 25% | Bd3 7% |
| 1600–1799 | e5 53% | Bg5 39% | Bd3 4% |
| 1800–1999 | Bg5 52% | e5 41% | exd5 4% |
| 2000 and up | Bg5 56% | e5 37% | exd5 4% |
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