msiipola wrote on 12/27/15 at 08:18:33:


There are various versions of the Exchange French, depending on where the respective players put their pieces and pawns. For example there's a variation which starts 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. c4 . That move contains a threat of sorts to capture on d5. Black has a several reasonable ways of meeting. You can for example play 4. .. Bb4+ which might be met by 5. Nc3 and then 5. .. Ne7 can be played. Alternatively Black might play 4. .. Nf6 and then if 5. Nc3, 5. .. Be7. 

Authors have tried to invent rules about developing Knights before Bishops, but they can safely be ignored. What can be said is that it can be easier to find a square for a Knight, than for a Bishop. It's really more about building a harmonious position where the tactical problems are your opponent's rather than your own.