Russian GM Alexander Morozevich shared his opinion on the French Defense opening for Black. Morozevich notes that ‘happy people don’t play the French Defense’.

Alexander Morozevich

Alexander Morozevich

Russian GM

“People usually ask me: ‘Why are you such a keen player of the French Defense?’

And my answer is — the French Defense reflects the person who had a very tough childhood. I mean… A happy person never plays the French Defense.

Is it a habit of suffering? Sort of…”

Russian GM Alexander Morozevich is an elite player who reached World No. 2 in 2008 with a 2788 rating. Morozevich extensively uses the French Defense against ‘e4’ in official tournaments.