Back in the Fray

After not playing a single online game against a human opponent since June 10th 2025, I played a 1- + 5 game today (July 29th) and won. This took my ranking from 1537 to 1555. See Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: ranking as of June 10th 2025

Figure 2: ranking as of July 29th 2025

It wasn't a great game and we both made blunders but eventually I emerged victorious. Here is a link to the game. I played the French Defense against White's d4 but I hadn't seen his second move before. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: White plays f4 instead of the more common d4

I asked Gemini the question:

What is the opening called in chess where White plays 1. e4, Black responds with 1. ... e6 but White follows this with 2. f4 instead of the more common 2. d4? Can you provide some information about the best continuation for Black after White's second move?

Here was the response:

Of course. The chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e6 followed by 2.f4 is known as the King's Gambit, French Variation. It is sometimes also referred to as the La Bourdonnais Variation of the French Defence.

This is an aggressive but somewhat unusual and dubious attempt by White. By playing 2.f4, White signals an intention to play in the style of the King's Gambit, fighting for control of the e5 square and preparing a potential kingside attack. However, by delaying the standard d2−d4 push, White allows Black to strike back in the center immediately and exploit the fact that 2.f4 weakens White's own king position.

Best Continuation for Black

The overwhelming consensus among chess theorists and top players is that Black's best response is the most principled one:

2....d5

This move is strong for several reasons:

• It immediately challenges White's control of the center by attacking the e4 pawn.
• It opens lines for Black's pieces, particularly the light-squared bishop.
• It forces White to make a decision about the central tension, often leading to a position that is more comfortable for Black.

After Black's 2....d5, White has three main replies. In all cases, Black can achieve a very good position.

1. White Plays 3.e5 (The Main Line)

This is the most common response, where White advances the e-pawn, creating a structure similar to the Advance Variation of the French Defence.

The game continues: 3....c5

This is the standard and best reply. Black immediately begins to chip away at the base of White's pawn chain (the d4 square, even before a pawn is there). A typical continuation is:

4.Nf3 Nc6 5.c3 Qb6 6.d4 cxd4 7.cxd4

We have reached a key position for this line. Black has a very comfortable game. White's pawn on f4 supports the e5 point, but it also serves as a long-term weakness for the White king. Black will continue with moves like ...Nh6−f5 or ...Bd7 and has excellent counter-attacking chances. Black's position is considered at least equal, if not slightly preferable.

2. White Plays 3.exd5 (The Exchange)

White chooses to release the central tension by capturing on d5. The game continues: 3....exd5

Black simply recaptures. In this now-open position, White's 2.f4 move looks particularly out of place. It has weakened the king's position (especially the e1−h4 diagonal) without providing any real benefit. Black has easy and comfortable development.

For example: 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.d4 Bd6. Black has a solid pawn structure, active pieces, and can target the weaknesses around White's king. Black has already equalized and can start playing for an advantage.

3. White Plays 3.Nc3

White defends the e4 pawn with the knight. The game continues: 3....dxe4

Black can simply capture the pawn. After 4.Nxe4, Black can continue with standard developing moves like 4....Nd7 (preparing to challenge the e4 knight with ...Ngf6) or 4....Nf6. Again, the f4 pawn is more of a liability for White than a strength, and Black has no problems achieving a good position.

Summary

The King's Gambit, French Variation (1.e4 e6 2.f4) is an aggressive try by White that is not considered theoretically dangerous. By responding with the principled 2....d5!, Black can immediately seize the initiative and obtain a comfortable to slightly better position by exploiting the central and king-safety weaknesses created by White's second move.