The French Defense is an opening in chess that begins with the moves 1.e4 e6. Black allows White to establish a strong center with pawns on d4 and e4 but then immediately undermines it with ...e6. Black's light-squared bishop develops actively on c8, eyeing the long diagonal. The French Defense leads to complex positions with chances for both sides to attack. White must find ways to defend the center and counterattack against Black's aggressive setup. Although Black concedes space in the center, active piece play provides good chances to generate counterplay. The French Defense is a dynamic and popular opening at all levels of chess.