In article ,
"Ray Gordon" wrote:

Recently I played this French defense against friend{ I lost }and
I keep getting the feeling I play the opening wrong.8...BxNt right or
wrong ?? 1.e4,e6.2.d4,d5,3.nc3,nf6,4.e5,nd7,5.Bb5,a6,

Try 5...c6 next time.

Since Bxd7 seems silly, and Bd3 essentially amounts to giving black the
move ...a6 for free (and it's a move often played in these positions) I
think a6 is a completely legitimate choice of move here.

The real question is whether the pawn grab with Bxf1, Qh4+ & Qxh2 is
worth the pain that results - I think black can wind his way through the
complications but he's basically ruling out kingside castling and
spotting white a big lead in development.

-Ron