Exchange Variation

French Defense

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5

White trades on d5 immediately, leading to a symmetrical structure where piece activity and endgame skill matter most.

Fun fact: Howard Staunton recommended the Exchange Variation in the 19th century, but it has since gained a reputation for giving Black immediate equality. Source

Practice this line

The idea

White exchanges on d5 at once, and the pawns become symmetrical. The big change from other French lines is that the bishop on c8 is no longer shut in, so Black has no problem pieces.

Both sides have an open e-file and easy development. The game is decided by piece play and by who uses the open file better.

Plans for White

Develop quickly with Bd3, Nf3, O-O and Re1, and use the e-file. White can also play c4 at some point to create an imbalance and avoid a symmetrical, drawish game.

Plans for Black

Develop just as quickly: ...Bd6, ...Nf6 or ...Ne7, ...O-O and ...Re8. The light-squared bishop can come to g4 or f5. Black can also play for an imbalance by castling queenside.

Watch out for

For both sides, pins and checks on the e-file. With the file open, a careless piece on e7 or e2 can be pinned against the king or queen, and an early Qe2+ or ...Qe7+ can disrupt development.

For Black, copying White too long. In a symmetrical position, the side to move can sometimes use the extra tempo, so look for a moment to break the symmetry.