2.d4

2.d4

Against the French Defense, White plays 2.d4 in something like 90% of all games, perhaps more. The chief alternative is 2.d3, leading to an opening system called the King's Indian Reversed or King's Indian Attack. If then 2...d5, White closes the d-file with 3.Nd2, avoiding the exchange of Queens.

Kovacs also played 2.Qe2, a rarely played, eclectic move named the Chigorin Variation, after its original proponent, Mikhail Chigorin. Its purpose is to prevent 2...d5, because of 3.exd5, when the recapture by Black's e-Pawn is impossible.

In playing 2.d4, White's announces, 'You are letting me get a strong center with d4 & e4 already on the second move? Thank you, I accept.'

Next move: 2...d5