The Even More Flexible French

When Viktor Moskalenko’s The Flexible French appeared in 2008 it became something of a cult favourite — praised everywhere as fresh, inspiring, and unusually fun to read. This is his full revision of that modern classic: same broad structure, but rebuilt around a decade of new theory, with hundreds of fresh ideas, improvements, and surprise weapons added.

It is a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e6, organised by White’s main systems. The Advance, Tarrasch, Classical, and Winawer each get their own section, and a final part offers off-beat answers to the Exchange French, the King’s Indian Attack, and other sidelines that French players meet in practice.

What sets the book apart is Moskalenko’s style. Rather than dumping variations, he teaches the French as a living, dynamic opening — full of the counterattacking resources, pawn breaks, and piece manoeuvres that give Black the initiative. He writes with genuine enthusiasm, flagging the critical ideas and the traps in each line, and even points out resources for White along the way, so you understand both sides of the battle.

Best suited to club players and above who want a French repertoire built on understanding and active play rather than memorisation. If you already own the 2008 edition, this is a thorough update rather than a cosmetic one.