St. George Defense

The St. George Defense departs from the French Defense at move two. Instead of challenging the center with 2...d5, Black plays 2...a6, preparing ...b5 and ...Bb7. The bishop then points at e4 along the long diagonal rather than staying buried behind e6, and ...c5 often follows to strike at d4. The price is time, since White can occupy the center unopposed. The engine gives White a slight edge, though Lichess results are less lopsided, with White scoring only a little better than Black. The most common reply is 3. Nf3, and engines also suggest 3. Be3 and 3. Nc3. The Traditional Line, 3. Nf3 b5 4. Bd3 c5 5. c3 Bb7 6. O-O Nf6, shows Black's full setup.

The second most popular answer is 3. c4, the Three Pawn Attack, which puts a pawn on c4 so that ...b5 can be met by a capture. If Black still plays 3...b5, the Sanky-George Gambit, then 4. cxb5 axb5 is the St. George Gambit. The bishop on f1 can now take on b5, so Black is giving up a pawn for an open a-file and quick development.