An Easy System to Make French Players Squirm

GM Kraai breaks down a simple setup that puts French players out of their comfort zone.
Check out Jesse's follow-up video here: • An Illustrative Game f...
Magnus's Game in the EZ French: • Magnus plays the Dojo ...
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[@dshocc1376]

Jesse always speaks like his true passion is ASMR

[@antonpirulero9343]

Isn’t it an ASMR Channel?

[@denisdemonte15]

lmao

[@davidenalini8371]

Its soo fucking annoying cant watch a whole video

[@TheChohr]

@@antonpirulero9343 Yes he is doing a chess Grand Master role play

[@ChessDiagnostic]

Roasting French players OFF the board, and then showing how to do it ON the board. What class!

[@SCCH286]

The intro is a masterpiece!

[@cameronherbert4632]

I'm getting a big Bob Ross feel from this video. Keep it up!

[@user-dj2el6do6e]

😂

[@phoenixinthetrees1446]

4:07 Old variation. 5:20 New variation. Thanks for this, Jesse. I love the quiet, secretive tone of your voice - 'Hey, guys, don't tell anyone, but this is how to beat the French...' [loud knocking on door; voice from next room] 'Jesse!! Jesse, is that you giving away more chess secrets?! I've warned you about that!!'

[@sureshrawte9951]

Very well explained! Making thing simplified is an art + knowledge!!! Besides it, technical presentation is also the best quality.. Clarity of voice, speed ,intensity of the talk and all...👍

[@elroyjacobs8126]

Wow! Really enjoyed this. I learned alot. Thank you GM Kraai. Keep going the number of subscribers will definitely increase as time goes by.

[@brigadira8735]

You are one of the best GMs in explaining the game. Please, continue to enlighten us. P.S. against the advance a good plan is to bring the knight from g8 to c6 instead of the main line :)

[@davidenalini8371]

Cap

[@quizarrdd1]

Awesome stuff and well presented.. Cheers for the share Jesse!

[@Socialdogma]

I love this new channel. Three of my favorite chess instructors on the Internet.

[@alexanderroc3359]

Thanks Jesse for your really helpful and instructive lecture. The way you talk is calm and easy. Looking forward to more!

[@monkeygrip2412]

This is truly an incredible video told by an amazing teacher. It is explained so so well. Not easy for all Grand Masters to verbalize their thoughts. Absolutely amazing video! Thank you!

[@trenbabone6359]

Me a French defense player checking this out to strengthen my French defense knowledge 😎

[@ChessDojo]

Smart!

[@indrekreiland1569]

It's like an Anti-GingerGM repertoire series :)

[@ShubhamGupta-ep7wt]

He never suggeted qb6

[@Heroball299]

Nah he recommends it for white in a chessable course for the same reasons Jesse said.

[@bflo1000]

Explained the concept perfectly! Some nifty tactics as well.

[@indrekreiland1569]

Excellent video. It also really resembles play in many variations of the London so if one is a London player looking to take up e4 this feels like a very natural system.

[@ieatpaste8360]

What a great teacher. I really enjoy the way you verbalize these ideas.

[@Wtfzipcode]

this is the first video of yours ive seen, and the first sentence is making me subscribe

[@christiansiebert4834]

well I love the way you speak by explayning things calmly. It makes me calm myself and therefore it is easier to understand the facts you explain. Very good job sir.

[@virtuafighter3]

Very good video. I am pleased I watched this and the other video of how to spend my £ in chess and on what. This video has a good teaching style to get an idea across, supported by some variations to make it illustrative. Good balance.

[@Boss.Stephen]

Very nice video, thanks for covering sidelines in the end!

[@brucelittleboy3594]

Jesse makes an important point that it's important to understand the _gist_ of an opening, i.e. where the pieces belong, what the players aim to achieve strategically, and what their psychological outlook is. We too easily get bogged down in the _intricacies_ of books and engine analysis. It is good advice to find simple ways to steer an opening towards positions that you find congenial and can understand. If your opponent is annoyed, disoriented, or thinks the task is easier than it is, then this is what good opening preparation is for the vast majority of players.

[@petemattingly8361]

Wow this guy might be my new favorite chess teacher- glad I found this

[@thomasdoggett9919]

Really great video, helped immensely

[@metspoker]

I just discovered Jesse Kraai, and what an awesome way he explains!! Kudos from Denmark Sir.

[@jackm4457]

I came back to review this system after watching Carissa Yip use it to defeat Anna Zatonskih and Tatav Abrahamyan in the current (2021) US Woman's Championship. Anna was at 2400 FIDE and was clueless vs this line.

[@MrEstebandido51]

Thank you for making this great video! Initially I didn't like the advance french, because I saw black had a really intuitive game with c5 - Nc6 - Qb6 and I felt white was trying to hold on, but the idea you recommend makes it seem really atractive for the white player, now I feel very inspired to actually try this in my games, and its black that's struggling to develop and realize its plans, thank you for a very interesting and great video!

[@chrisatkeson4638]

Great video. Very well explained.

[@marcofrey2903]

Thank you! I've long played the Milner Barry in classic trickster style but when I wanted to solidify my repertoire, I stumbled across this line from some game Eric Rosen tried it. Now that I've seen this, I'm convinced I need no alternative line in my repertoire, only this minor tweak. Every once in awhile the double gambit is still a blast, though. Sure gets a lot of those Frenchies.

[@franklinwhitsell2987]

Thanks for this. I actually score better as black than white. Whether I play 1.e4 or 1.d4 I always have trouble with the 1. e6, 2.d5 openings. I can do well up to class A opponents because I know the key squares to hold. But an experienced player who knows their pawn breaks I have a rough time in tournaments with people 1900+ rated. I do think this provided a lot of middle game ideas which is lacking in a lot of opening books... or perhaps it is just explained much better. I appreciate it as lower rated players may not realize the effort you put in to not just showing your lines, but explaining it in a way we can all translate and understand. That is tougher really than people tend to give credit.

[@munzutai]

This looks a lot more solid than the Wing Gambit. I'll have some fun exploring this one. Thanks!

[@leomarty6002]

This helped a lot! Can we have more videos like this?

[@SanjaySharma-en3gg]

Your way of teach is very good I love it

[@yolo2gopro793]

Great video!

[@rhysgriffiths9675]

This was awesome. Thank you.

[@blobbymagee6138]

Thanks Jesse. I was already playing a similar system to this which my coach taught me, but this adds a few new 'wrinkles'. Cheers!

[@hectorgray8542]

Thank you for the great lines! I just have one thing to point out, I think 6. Bd3 against the Euwe Variation is an inaccuracy since Black either gets a nasty attack or the light-squared bishop with 6... Rc8!

[@ViktorJahnke]

Wow, that was really helpful. I just won a game against a much stronger adversary following your advices on how to play against the French defense. Thanks.

[@hplovecraftmacncheese]

This was a very interesting and clear presentation. You make it look easy, but I suspect at my intermediate level I would have to study these lines quite a bit.

[@bflo1000]

Yeah, but it may be a fun journey.

[@ankitkatyal9013]

Excellent explanation 💚💜💙

[@Yornek1]

I see the TEST OF TIME in the back there Jesse. One love from Jamaica.

[@Abhishek-mw6pg]

This guy is better than those IMs who are having 100Ks or even million subs because those just time pass mostly. I love your teaching style keep moving forward 🔥💓

[@beastyboi8580]

Someone is getting jealous of Gothamchess's money

[@amoreazione3563]

​@@beastyboi8580 No, he is right. Gothamchess is just entertainment, this channel is instead about improving your chess.

[@sayafkhan748]

Thanks for spilling the beans. You found a new sub in me

[@bechirbenothman5044]

Brilliant chess lesson !

[@foxy3.o891]

Why are u so underrated I learned so much in this video

[@dimtodim]

u r great teacher and present your knowledge very simple way :)

[@ChessDojo]

thanks!

[@tamirpolyakov1122]

Just subscribed because of this video. Definitely adding this opening to my repertoire. Always hated playing against the french

[@Zeddicus1976]

I guess it has to be a good recommendation. Gawain Jones also recommends this in his book Coffeehouse repertoire. His analysis usually is solid.

[@alexf0101]

I could listen to Jesse explain things all day. More like this please! (and not just openings)

[@precioustreasures6045]

I just included you in my short list of great teachers😊..thank you for this.

[@darwinferrer5546]

liked & subscribed. due to clarity & excellence...

[@ChessDojo]

Thanks!

[@abdellatif7571]

You are one of the best GMs in explaining the game .. just pls next time dont get so close to the mic cos there some sounds .. thanks for the good vids

[@miketedder1079]

Good stuff. I have been playing this line vs higher rated French players with good success for years. Putting the white pawn on e5 takes away the f6 square for the black Kt and the d6 square from the f8 bishop. 'Squirm' is a good word for it.

[@Sr.Bulgari]

Thank you so much

[@maddasaba]

Great video

[@1A.E.M.QSports]

Great vid

[@tenorhighc1]

LOve this! It's pretty funny that I have my entire opening prep settled except for the FRENCH! I didn't want learn all kinds of theory so I tried different systems ... Sclectcher variation Reit Garmbit Tarrasch KIngs INdian Attack Two Knights (but most of these leave me in postions I don't like. Except for the Tarrasch.) By studying all of these I ended up having to learn MORE theory which was my entire reason to find an easy system. LOL I love your video and this system looks great! Thanks!!

[@Heroball299]

What do you play against Sicilian? I've got nothing. Only ever tried the Alapin

[@tenorhighc1]

@@Heroball299 I play Grand Prix Attack - Sicilian players don't really know what to do and it guarantees a wild and fun game. You also have to learn the closed Sicilain with White in case Black plays early a6. That's fun too

[@jellyfish-hunter428]

thank you sir great video absolutely 10/10

[@getrightw1tcha]

thanks a lot sir👍🏻

[@dojisan5050]

That ASMR voice and that smile makes this system looks very sinister!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks

[@lowtherlars]

I normally transpose into the French from 1.d4 e6 2. e4 , but I think I'm going to try this setup

[@BillRatio]

This deserves many more views but as a French player, part of me is glad it doesn't. :) I also play 1.e4 and hate going against the French. The first two times I played this system against the French I easily beat 1750 players even though I'm only 1600. I honestly felt like Paul Morphy it was so easy to find tactics.

[@chesslearningdevelopment1274]

Are you 1600 Fide?

[@BillRatio]

@@chesslearningdevelopment1274 Well, I'm actually 1720 now.

[@meowcat5596]

🧢

[@philiphynes8652]

Excellent video and exceptionally well delivered 👏

[@ChirsHunter]

Great piece! You deserves more attention.

[@stephenarmiger8343]

Thank you! I am a very slow learner, but your approach is very helpful!

[@eldoreschess2428]

I think MVL also played saced a pawn in the grand Swiss Riga 2021 in a French.

[@resop3]

I always felt that to beat the French you needed to sac a pawn early.

[@DaydreamVacations]

Incredible system. Do you have a similar one against the Caro Kann?

[@thechesslobster2768]

I've got a game against my rival, around 2000 FIDE same as me. He solely plays the Qb6 french, so lets see if I can win with this! Thank you for the system! I maybe will graduate from opting out and just playing the exchange variation now!

[@thechesslobster2768]

He played into my entire prep and I won!

[@kriszed5329]

That is a GOOD video about how to annoy French players. Definitely going to try it and bookmark this channel

[@kakarotgrime]

Really great stuff! I'm comfortable with almost all of my opening repetoire as an e4 player but I keep getting bullied by the French - it's very satisfying to be able to turn the tables...

[@RayT70]

Thanks 🤙

[@jakeb.2990]

"I've been playing the French since the last millennium" whoa it's true

[@foobarrel9046]

Excellent stuff, much appreciated!

[@emiliodiaz6527]

Glad to know someone who has that opinion on French's players. Looking forward to hearing what you think about those nasty Lodoners.

[@ChessDojo]

I'll need a whole vid series to examine what went so wrong in the early childhood of London players.

[@77oscarmanu]

Why do you think The London system is so bad ???

[@emiliodiaz6527]

@@77oscarmanu kzbin.info/www/bejne/onnHhpt4p7uEfbs

[@aname4141]

I played this a tournament and mercilessly crushed black. Thank you Jesse!

[@gokselkabaroglu2946]

Thanks 👍

[@williamfranklin9660]

Thank you for sharing this good sir, as a French player myself I shall easily study and combat this! One question I do have though: is it possible to avoid these positions with the Euwe variation of the French?

[@ChessDojo]

good question - I've been playing the French for decades and didn't know that Bd7 was called the Euwe var! - I do think I should have considered this move order. Maybe at some point down the line I can provide an update with some practical examples.

[@ReinaldoGD_]

Great video, GM Jesse! I learnt a lot about those variations. 😃 I just have a doubt about this variation: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. O-O Bd7 8. cxd4 Nxd4 9. Nxd4 Qxd4 10. Nc3 because Stockfish 11 replies an interesting move for Black 10. … a6 - + and evaluates -2.15, d=29. It seems Black can have tempo to develop its pieces (e.g., Ne7, Nc6, Be7 and 0-0). Let me know please which plan for White could be run.

[@artywake8806]

Good video! But why don't discuss c4 for black, attack the bishop on d3? been played a lot

[@RayT70]

I was wondering if you might have any recommendations for white in this line 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Ne7 5. Nf3 Nec6 6. Bd3 b6 7. O-O Ba6 I have trouble finding a good plan against it

[@rakeshkhana4445]

Very Nice

[@simonhinkel4086]

Since watching this I've won countless of Blitz Games with this 🤣😁 thank you! :)

[@user-ce2gl6ky2y]

Jesse, thank u very much! With ur system, I beat 2200+ player He was absolutely unaware of this gambit!

[@007blond]

I like to experiment with the frenkle gambit to open up lines for my queens rook and throw off a french players typical preparation if they decide to capture 4 b4 cxb4 5 a3 bxa3 what are your opinions on the frenkle gambit? lol

[@danielvonbose557]

There are several instances of white moving a bishop to d3 behind a pawn chain. What prevents Pc4 attacking the bishop?

[@67hought]

I played a tournament a few months ago and I played this exact same opening on a whim. Had never played it before and kind of made it up as I went. Needless to say, I won in 24 moves :)

[@d3eztrickz]

As black in the french I play a bastardized version. 5. Bd7 and 6. Nh6... with aims of getting that knight on f5. As you said.. it forces me (black) to use 2 moves to develop the knight. Often the opponent takes the knight on h6 with the bishop and a dynamic no castling game is in play. I know it's not rock solid and you as a GM wouldn't likely play in the same manner but I pretty much avoid the problems that you propose in your video! Thanks for doing these I learned a lot and will continue to take in information

[@lucassantana6993]

the last phrase was just everything. like pick this line and just learn how to play good chess 😂😂😂😂

[@kevinhenry116]

7:05, why does black not play e5 forking knight and bishop? Ah you covered it at 9:50. I watched this last night and got a French today but didnt remember your trick at 10:20! I have to keep revisiting these videos for everything to sink in!

[@harrythehpawn2334]

Loved it

[@M8gicmike]

Tried it, absolutely worked first time, moved queen back to c2, the rest is history. First time I have beaten the French against a player of similar rating

[@rbbecker73]

So how does this work if black plays Bd7 without Qb6? ie 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bd7 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. O-O and black sees that you're not playing the typical Milner-Barry Gambit with 7. cxd4, so he avoids your traps by not playing Qb6. What does black do instead, and how does white deal with it?

[@dkol2000]

as French and Dutch player, I like these videos

[@ruffianeo3418]

Nice! Your intro was nearly a quote of my rant about french players :) To get them out of their comfort zone, though, I usually opt for another line entirely: e4 e6 b3 - most just play d5 and take the e-pawn because they are french players, right? But no pawn chain in the center and french players are already on alien territory.

[@brucelittleboy3594]

And if they play 2...c5, then b3 set-ups against the Sicilian (with Nf3, maybe Bb5) are quite attractive for White too, and annoying for Black.

[@JPCPSeto]

Still, the fact that you do that also underlines the strength of the French defense. Apparantly it's hard to challenge it head on.

[@ruffianeo3418]

@@JPCPSeto Yes, in the same sense as it is hard to challenge a phone book in the "guess the phone number" game. The fact that someone spent the effort to memorize lines like a computer hard disk does not mean they can PLAY chess well. They just demonstrate that they can REITERATE foreign knowledge. So I play something they have not learned by heart yet.

[@JPCPSeto]

@@ruffianeo3418 Come on man, what is this notion that French players would only memorize and not play well? Why would French players be different from e.g. Spanish or Petrov players? Everyone studies something. Right now it just sounds like you're frustrated that you're unable to defeat the French, even though you supposedly are the more skilled player. PS: I play the sicilian Kan/Taimanov, so I'm not even biased

[@ruffianeo3418]

@@JPCPSeto The term "Security by obscurity" comes to mind. What I mean with that, is that french positions (with pawn chains in the center) require unique methods and forms of understanding, which favors learning by heart automatons even more. You cannot just play "reasonable moves" in those positions. The knowledge transfer being the problem. So yes, I think they try to minimax (amount of learned lines vs average success). And they have the same problem if they then find themselves in other types of positions. Hence my disdain for french players. They try to dumb down the game. In the same sense as those Starcraft II protoss players who only play cannon rush and never saw a late game.

[@retrogandalf7899]

Can white play g4 at 17:51 to for ideas like making a greek gift or trying to opening the g file for the rook?

[@PavelGnatyuk]

On 5:00 there is a white pawn on e5. Probably it will be taken now?

[@lynxor7098]

At 8:21 how is the queen trapped if Qa5 is played?

[@alexhudson-]

Could you please do the video as white opens with D4 and Nc3 against the French? There isn't much info anywhere on D4, Nc3 opening and most I've found, most people better than me say it's bad, but I've stuck with it and have been exclusive with it and have made a ton of progress and I'm not convinced it's bad yet, unless black does the French. Anyways thank you and great video!! I'd freak if you made the video as I love your channel so much. I love D4, Nc3 and castling long side in open games and I try to be pretty aggressive as white.

[@klarke0]

2nd this

[@johnxavier6443]

Very interesting system! Unfortunately I need help with a line in this opening. I have an opponent that plays 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bd7 6. Bd3 cxd4. If I play 7. cxd4 doesn't this transpose into the regular milner-berry gambit? If 7. 0-0 stockfish is saying pretty sizable advantage for black after 7... dxc3.

[@SunbeamSmiles]

Yeah it doesn't seem to work so well against the Euwe variation if black refrains from an early Qb6. Probably better to go Be2 instead of Bd3 against that line.