Welcome to the French Defence chess opening after 1.e4 e6. Tim Sawyer analyzes 122 games. This expanded version matches the 2016 paperback edition. It includes updated commentary, and an Index of Names to Games. The author tells stories and explains the chess opening strategy. In a French Defence game you want to win Spice up your play. Discover new ideas in the French Defence Advance Variation and Alapin Diemer Gambit. Choose the Classical Variation, MacCutcheon or French Winawer. Focus on active piece play with the Tarrasch Variation. Or boldly try to transpose to the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in answer to the Burn Variation. Try it Most of the games see White playing 3.Be3, 3.Nd2 or 3.Nc3. Many were played by the author against masters, experts and club players over 45 years of play. The author shows you typical examples in this proven defence. Follow ideas to surprise your opponent and win. The games tell stories about fascinating chess players. Examine a huge variety of openings from main lines to gambits. Find creative ideas and ways to improve. Have fun playing chess. Enjoy this book