SUMMARY GRAND PRIX FRENCH DEFENSE ARENA FINAL RANKINGS

After 5 amazing tournaments we have the winners! This was a thematic series of tournaments showcasing the French Defense, we sure hope every participant of this grand prix has now acquired a very good knowledge about this defense! In total, any given participant played around 40 to 50 games this week, that should count for some learning experience!

Outstanding performance by Baffledbear 80 out 80 perfect score.

 

GAME OF THE TOURNAMENT

The best game of the tournament was played between Henryli2012 vs Baffledbear, this was one of the few losses for Baffledbear. Link below to see complete game.
https://lichess.org/HCKw7AsH/white#98
In this position due to low time black blundered his bishop.

TIP ON THE FRENCH DEFENCE WITH GRAND MASTER ANDRES
GALLEGO

This is the most typical center pawn structure where white has a strong pawn on e5, this allows white to win space on the king side. The pawn on e5 also protects the squares f6 and d6 preventing the Bishop and Knight to develop! Normally a plan for white after developing pieces is to try to go for moves like f4-f5 to try and break on e6, continuing to open the f file and create lines directly to the king. For black normal plans are on the queenside starting with the pawn-break c5! This is a move that must be played as a French defense player! As this is a key move to help develop and free our pieces
on queenside!

 

Have a good day and see you in the next Grand Prix.
Getting stronger and stronger every tournament!

Points earned after Tournament 1:

Tip of the Day:
It was noticed that many of you decided to play exd5 after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5! This is known as the Exchange Variation of the French.

In the diagram above, White has captured d5, after which Black will usually recapture with exd5. Even though the position seems symmetrical and dry, a typical plan to play for a win is for White to play for c4, or if allowed Black for c5! This will often result in an isolated pawn if captured.. The player without the isolated will have a target to go after, while the player with the isolated pawn will have more space for his pieces. Below are some examples of both scenarios.

White plays c4!
A great example of Black being allowed to play c5!
A game where both players go for c4 and c5!

 

See you guys at 4pm on Mar 10!