Chess opening · ECO C00
French Defense: Normal Variation
The French Defense: Normal Variation starts 1. e4 e6 2. d4. It ranks #12 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.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. d5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | d5 35% | Nf6 10% | Qh4 8% |
| 1200–1399 | d5 38% | d6 9% | c6 9% |
| 1400–1599 | d5 51% | c5 10% | d6 9% |
| 1600–1799 | d5 64% | c5 9% | d6 6% |
| 1800–1999 | d5 80% | c5 4% | b6 4% |
| 2000 and up | d5 88% | c5 3% | b6 3% |
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