1. e2e4  1... e7e6 I always get a smile on my face when I see the French Defense on the board. Who doesn't like to see the renegades and the underdogs having their moment of glory $2 Of all the great defenses against the king's pawn, none are bullied as much as the French, and I must confess that I'm also to blame for this. 2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. e4e5 3.Nd2, 3.Nc3, and 3.e5 are all equally good for White. Just don't play 3.exd5.