This monograph on all lines of the French defence aims to provide all that the tournament chess player needs to play the opening. The French defence, 1 e4 e6 is a vigorous, counter-attacking opening, ideal for players trying to win as Black in club or tournament play. The Tarrasch and Winawer variations, two of the most popular, receive particularly detailed attention. Such fighting players as Botvinnik and Korchnoi have been lifelong adherents of the French and instilled many new ideas in key lines. The book is a revised and updated translation of a German edition. Alexei Suetin is a leading Soviet Grandmaster and theoretician who competed 10 times in the USSR Championship. He is author of Contemporary Approach to the Middle Game and Plan like a Grandmaster.