I have to say that the Poisoned pawn looks theoretically doubtful in both Qxc3 and Nxc3 - there has been quite a few complex correspondence games showing this ...........but in practice it can be very difficult for white to negotiate an explosion in the centre.

Watson is a bit optimistic on the Black side. Psakhis is more realistic. I take my cue from the GMs- 0-0 is the move.

Still Watson's analysis is always worth looking at, although again I think he is over optimistic on the Qb6 French Tarrash.

Andrew

I have only #2 and #3 thus I can't compare with #1.
In #3 Watson gives only the oo-Winawer system and gives reference to **excellent** book Franzoesich Winawer Kindermann-Dirr.
For the poisoned-pawn system, you can buy Watson's book #2 but better is to buy "French Defence 3.Nc3 Bb4" 2003 -Psakhis - Batsford - ISBN 0713488417, giving same coverage as Watson #2, but with other systems for White (exchange Winawer: exd5 ; 4.Ne2 and so on). Chesspublishing gives interesting information (in the updates and the forum).

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About the Exchange and c4, I now play Bb4+ and a system based on a quick Nf6-oo. I worked it because one of my club fellow plays the line versus French. Open a thread and I'll post some lines.

Hi, welcome to the forum!! 

a) With regards to "Play the French", 3rd edition, I have to say that I like it very much. Although I don`t play the winawer anymore or the 0-0 lines vs. the Tarrasch as he suggests,  I am nevertheless quite happy with it as I`ve picked up and continue to pick up useful ideas from it and find that the coverage of other lines are good.  I am not familiar with the previous books in the series so cannot advice you on their contents. I know John Watson has essayed the view that the Poisoned Pawn variations are ok for black, but I also know that Nigel Short disagrees with him! I am not sure where you can find a good coverage of the PPv, but a good start might be to check out the games here in the french section and check the week in chess for new games.  Maybe somone else can direct you in better directions.

b) Since you already have John Watson`s play the French, check out what he suggests against 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. ed ed 4. c4. It is definitely not the best choice to take on c4 immediately as you probably want to save that for later, when white already has moved his white-squared bishop. In this way you`ll save a move. So go with 4..Bb4+ and follow up with Ne7. After white decides do move his white-squared bishop you can contemplate taking on c4. In general I`d say that you don`t need to be afraid of 4.c4, but you need to check it out.  Go through the lines that PTF gives.


Again, welcome to the forum! Always glad to see new posts from new members!