French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line position after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 a6 3.Nf3 b5 4.Bd3 c5 5.c3 Bb7 6.O-O Nf6. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, pawn on c3, bishop on d3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, bishop on b7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on a6, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on b5, pawn on c5.
French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 a6 3.Nf3 b5 4.Bd3 c5 5.c3 Bb7 6.O-O Nf6. It is classified C00 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The French Defense answers 1.e4 with 1...e6, preparing to challenge the centre with d5 on the next move. Black accepts a passive light-squared bishop — often called the problem piece, since the pawn on e6 blocks it in — in exchange for a solid pawn chain and clear, reliable counterplay against White's centre.
Strategic character
The defining feature is the pawn chain. White's pawns typically run d4-e5 and Black's e6-d5, and both sides attack the base of the opponent's chain: Black plays c5 and f6, while White expands on the kingside. Positions are usually closed and strategically rich.
Who should play it
Players who like a defined plan from move one and do not mind defending. The French rewards understanding of pawn structure more than it rewards tactics.
This line is a variation within the French Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e6 2.d4 a6 3.Nf3 b5 4.Bd3 c5 5.c3 Bb7 6.O-O Nf6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line?
The French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 a6 3.Nf3 b5 4.Bd3 c5 5.c3 Bb7 6.O-O Nf6. It is classified C00 in the ECO system. The French Defense answers 1.e4 with 1...e6, preparing to challenge the centre with d5 on the next move. Black accepts a passive light-squared bishop — often called the problem piece, since the pawn on e6 blocks it in — in exchange for a solid pawn chain and clear, reliable counterplay against White's centre.
What are the moves of the French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line?
1.e4 e6 2.d4 a6 3.Nf3 b5 4.Bd3 c5 5.c3 Bb7 6.O-O Nf6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the French Defense: St. George Defense, Traditional Line good for beginners?
Players who like a defined plan from move one and do not mind defending. The French rewards understanding of pawn structure more than it rewards tactics.