2...d5

2...d5

If White plays 2.d4 in 90% of all games against the French Defense, then Black answers 2...d5 in 99% of those games. An alternative is 2...c5, which is a transposition into a little played sideline (1.e4 c5 2.d4 e6) of the Sicilian Defense. White can continue into a mainstream Sicilian with 3.Nf3, or head into Benoni-like variations (1.d4 c5 2.d5) with 3.d5.

Why is 2...d5 so popular? Black challenges the strong d4-e4 center immediately, places a Black Pawn in the center, and threatens 3...dxe4. The threat can't be ignored.

Next move: 3.exd5