French Defense Middlegames

Schedule: September 25-28, 17:00-20:30 UK time (9:00-12:30 California, 12:00-15:30 New York, 18:00-21:30 CET). There will be three 1 hour sessions with two 15 minutes breaks.

The French Defence is one of the most strategically rich and resilient openings in chess. Solid yet ambitious. 

Even when Black is cramped, White must play superbly to win. If White overextends, Black always gets counterplay.

Traditionally seen as the choice of slower, positional players, the French has transformed in the engine era into a dynamic opening where Black often trades structural concessions for active piece play. 

In short: the French is for everyone.

Back in 2012–2014, Nikos worked extensively on the French and his work was put in a book he co-authored with Jacob Aagaard. Now he returns to share his updated knowledge and practical insights in this 12-hour camp.

What you’ll learn:

• The main lines of the French today: Winawer, Classical, Tarrasch, Advance, Exchange, and more.

• Strategic themes: pawn breaks (…c5, …f6), exchanges, maneuvering in cramped positions, and exploiting structural features.

• Instructive master games showing typical French manoeuvres.

• Model middlegames through targeted exercises and training positions.

• Practical endgame tips that often arise from French structures.

• How French ideas apply to other openings.

By the end, you’ll feel at home in French Defence positions, with clear plans, new ideas, and a complete repertoire for both Black and White, plus surprise alternatives to keep your opponents guessing.

The camp will take place early evenings 25-28 September, with 3 hour lessons each day. It will offer you a full 12 hours of training.