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This page is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The exchange variation is one of the most playable variation within this chess opening. Please find the official data, general description and a chess video about this variation below.
Exchange Variation: Official Data
Variation Name: Exchange variation of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
ECO Code: C01
The French Defense, Exchange has reputation of simple, "symmetrical" and drawing variation. After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 (the designated moves of this variation), the most common answer for Black is 3... exd5. The most common lines of the Exchange variation are the following 5:
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3...
• 3... exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5...
• 3... exd5 4.c4 Nf6...
The last line breaks "the symmetry" of the Exchange variation.
French Defense, Exchange Variation: Video
Below is the chess video on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The video runs 3 minutes 41 seconds and consists of 2 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II will show you how to correctly play 5 Proven Lines of the French Exchange.
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On this lesson for chess beginners, you have received the initial information about the Exchange Variation of the French Defense. The variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5; it is ECO code C01 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. By clicking the link above, you can return to the main page of the French Defense chess opening.
