Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nc3

= French Defence: Main line = 3.Nc3 is White's most popular move against the French at the top level, and is considered the most challenging option. White develops a piece and keeps the diagonals open for both bishops (unlike 3.Nd2, the Tarrasch Variation), as well as putting pressure on the d5 pawn and protecting the e4 pawn. Black has 4 main options now: Nf6 (The Classical Variation), Bb4 (The Winawer Variation), dxe4 (The Rubinstein Variation), and c5, entering into the Sicilian by some players or French with others with the Marshall Gambit.

Masters
White wins: 36% | Draw: 41% | Black wins: 23%

Lichess
White wins: 50% | Draw: 5% | Black Wins: 45%

Theory table
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