The French Defense: La Bourdonnais Variation with c6 — Playing as White

Black's most common move by far is 3...d5, played in over 214,000 games. The engine's best continuation is 4.Nc3, when Black usually replies 4...f5 and you follow up with 5.d3. This creates a dense, locked centre where both sides have limited pawn breaks. White scores 50.0% from this position — roughly equal, but the slight evaluation edge (+0.49) suggests you have more long-term potential. Your plan here is straightforward: complete development (Be2 or Bd3, 0-0, Re1), then look for opportunities to open the position on the kingside with a well-timed g4 push or by preparing e5. Black's king often gets stuck in the centre, so piece activity matters more than pawn structure.

With 51.6% wins, 3.3% draws, and 45.2% losses across 400,355 games, this is a reliable and practical variation for club players. Notice the huge disparity between the top two moves: 3...d5 (214,802 games) and 3...Nf6 (26,177 games). Most Black players instinctively challenge the centre — but the ones who play 3...Nf6 actually give you a better score (54.2%). That's because after 3...Nf6 you can set up a strong pawn centre with d4, or play 4.e5 Nd5 5.d4 and claim space. The bottom line: if you know your plans against the main replies, you'll outperform the average results.

Two moves in this position are labelled as inaccuracies that lose roughly half a pawn. The first is 3...g6, which drops about 0.5 pawns — Black should have played 3...d5 instead. After 3...g6, the engine recommends 4.d4, grabbing a commanding centre and preventing Black from playing ...d5 comfortably. Black's fianchetto plan is too slow. The second inaccuracy is 3...d6, which loses about 0.6 pawns. Here too, 4.d4 is strong — you build a huge centre while Black's bishop on c8 is still trapped behind the pawn chain. Both mistakes happen in real games (14,455 and 14,192 times respectively), so they are worth knowing. When you see either, seize the centre immediately.

Black sometimes tries 3...Qb6 (19,843 games, White scores 51.0%). This move attacks b2 and eyes d4, but it's harmless if you respond correctly. Simply play 4.d4, defending b2 with the queen or bishop if needed. Black's queen often becomes a target later. Meanwhile, 3...h6 (20,246 games, White scores 52.7%) is a waiting move — Black wants to see your setup before committing. Your best reply is 4.d4, building a classical pawn centre. Black hasn't done anything useful with the tempo; you just develop normally and enjoy a comfortable edge. In both cases, the formula is the same: don't get distracted — occupy the centre and trust your lead in development.