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 