French Defense: Mediterranean Defense 2024/08/17

The French Defense: Mediterranean Defense is a chess opening variation that arises after the following moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 This is a sub variation of the French Defense, which begins with e6. Let’s break it down: 1. e4 e6: Black responds to White’s king pawn opening with the French Defense. 2. d4 d5: White establishes a central pawn duo, and Black immediately challenges it. 3. Nc3: White develops a knight and prepares to defend the e4 pawn. : This is where the Mediterranean Defense diverges from other French Defense variations. Black develops the knight to f6, putting pressure on White’s e4 pawn. 4. e5: White pushes the e-pawn, closing the center and attacking Black’s knight. : The defining move of the Mediterranean Defense. Black retreats the knight to d7, maintaining the closed pawn chain. Key features of this defense: 1. Closed center: The pawn structure is typically locked in the center, l