Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...Nf6

Mediterranean defence C00 French defence →2. d4 2...Nf6 · Mediterranean defence Black's main idea is to overextend White's pawns. 3. e5 is the main line. White agrees to take space in the centre with tempo. Black's knight routes to ...Nd5 then ...Ng6. This resembles the Alekhine defence, except Black has already committed to ...e6 instead of ...d6, which is more usual in the Alekhine. 3. Nc3 seeks a return to something more standard. 3...d5 transposes into the classical French. 3. Nf3? gives up the e pawn to develop with tempo. 3...Nxe4 4. Bd3 Nf6 and White has some compensation, though probably not enough. Reference See also