The French is like a beautiful and mysterious woman. I fell in love the first time I saw it (her?
), yet I continuously discover new things about it, new plans, new move orders. I like that it is so different. One day it is all about a long strategic battle, the next day there is a fierce tactical skirmish. There is always this intriguing moment after 2..d5: Will it be a complex struggle in the advance variation? Will I get to play a seemingly equal position after White chickens out with the exchange variation? Or do I get to sacrifice g7 in the Winawer?
My relationship with the French has been quite a ride. When I first got to know it, it welcomed me with a string of seemingly easy victories. But it hasn't always been this smooth: the French has a dark and cruel side. I can't count the times I have been mated by a quick kingside attack. When I lose with the French, I always have this nagging feeling that I let it down. But how sweet it is to win with the French. To undermine White's center with c5 and f6 and watch his position come apart.
Sure, there have been other openings. But none of them has captured me like the French did. Playing 1..e5 feels like dating a grandmother, whereas the Sicilian is like an ugly, scarred brute from the streets. After some time, these other openings become boring. The French however is sophisticated, varied and fun.
On revient toujours à ses premières amours.