1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5 The French is a rare guest at top events now except for rapid and blitz events, but playing it against a Frenchman himself  demonstrates courage! 3. e4e5  3... c7c5  4. c2c3  4... b8c6  5. g1f3  5... d8b6  6. a2a3  6... c5c4 This leads  to a blocked position where both sides strive to play on the kingside:  White, because his pawn structure is better orientated for that, and  Black, because the enemy king will castle there. 7. b1d2  7... c6a5  8. g2g3  8... c8d7  9. h2h4  9... e8c8  10. f1h3  10... c8b8  11. e1g1  11... h7h6  12. f1e1 