French Defense

77 pages with diagrams, bibliography and index. Royal octavo (9 1/4" x 6") bound in original publisher's pictorial stapled wrappers. Revised edition first published in 1973. The French Defence is a chess opening characterised by the moves: 1. e4 e6 This is most commonly followed by 2.d4 d5, with Black intending .c5 at a later stage, attacking White's pawn centre and gaining space on the queenside. The French has a reputation for solidity and resilience, although some lines such as the Winawer Variation can lead to sharp complications. Black's position is often somewhat cramped in the early game. In particular, the pawn on e6 can impede the development of the bishop on c8. Condition: Wrapper edges age toned, corners bumped, rubbed and creased else very good.