The French Classical (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6) leads to the type of dynamic, unbalanced positions which appeal to grandmaster and club player alike. Black is prepared to concede space in the centre with a view to striking back at his opponent at the earliest opportunity.

The recent games of Nigel Short, Alexei Shirov, Victor Korchnoi and Alexander Morozevich, among others, have demonstrated that he has every chance of successfully executing this strategy and seizing the initiative. This book considers every important variation, with particular emphasis on those that readers are likely to encounter in their own games.

• Full coverage of all the latest variations
• Explains the basic elements, strategies and tactics for both sides
• Provides everything you need to start playing the French Classical straightaway
• Ideal battle manual for competitive players

Content:
1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Sc3 Sf6

004 Bibliography

005 Introduction

Part One: Main Line with 4 e5 Sfd7

007 - 1 Modern Main Line with 5 Sce2

026 - 2 Old Main Line with 5 f4 c5 6 Sf3 Sc6 7 Le3 cxd4 8 Sxd4

047 - 3 Old Main Line with 5 f4 c5 6 Sf3 Sc6 7 Le3 a6

059 - 4 Old Main Line: Others Variations after 5 f4 c5 6 Sf3

Part Two: 4 Lg5

069 - 5 The Burn Variation with 4...dxe4 5 Sxe4 Le7

086 - 6 The Burn Variation with 4...dxe4 5 Sxe4 Le7 6 Lxf6 gxf6

097 - 7 Main Line with 4...Le7 5 e5 Sfd7

134 - 8 The MC Cutcheon Variation; 4...Lb4

Part Three: Other Variations

156 - 9 Odds and Ends

175 Index of Complete Games