Adventures in the French: Morozevich Variation
Today, we're diving into one of my all-time favorite defenses to 1. e4: the French Defense, marked by 1...e6. Often viewed as a solid yet passive defense, the French Defense can, in the hands of the uninitiated, lead to cramped positions where Black struggles to find counterplay. However, with an energetic approach, the French Defense can transform into a dynamic and aggressive response to 1. e4, particularly with the exciting Morozevich Variation. Named after GM Alexander Morozevich, one of the most enigmatic and avant-garde players of the 90s and 2000s, this variation proves that the French can be far from passive. If Morozevich played it, you know it has to be at least a little exciting!
Adventures in the French Defense: Morozevich Variation*
*If you'd like to try the puzzles w/o the answers being spoiled you should skip the next diagrams and go straight to the puzzles (below)*
Puzzles
#1. Black just messed up with 4...Nf6? How should White punish Black for their mistake?
#2. What are Black's two most common moves in this position?
Answer to #2 (below)
#3. What is My Favorite Move for White in Both of the Below Positions? Hint: It's the same move
Answer: the paradoxical Nb1! Un-developing to better develop the Knight (usually) to c3.
#4. White has a Nice Resource to Keep the Advantage Here (diagram below) What Should They Play?
#5. Black has a Chance to Turn the Tables, What Should Black Play?
That's all folks! I hope you enjoyed your adventures in the French! I hope that I've convinced you that the French is not just a "solid" defense; but if I didn't I hope to be able to play it against you one day 
Thanks for trying out the puzzles and/or reading the analysis. If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or you just enjoyed the blog please comment, in the comment section below.
Cheers,
NM Craig C.
