Welcome to the French Defence chess opening after 1.e4 e6. Author Tim Sawyer analyzes 182 games. This 2018 Second Edition has updated commentary and an Index of Names to Games. The author tells stories and explains chess opening [...] up your play with the Alapin Diemer Gambit. Discover the ideas of the Advance Variation, the Classical, the MacCutcheon or the kingside attacks in the 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. 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 variety of openings from main lines to gambits. Find creative ideas and ways to improve. Have fun playing. Enjoy this book!