Against the French Defence

Dear Forum,
I've really been struggling as White in the French Defence.

en.lichess.org/1uoh0gEyxUHq

(Yeah, I know that guy is 600 points higher rated, I just needed an example of a miserable failure)

I don't know any of the theory, and I always seem to be really cramped until I make a mistake and my opponent wins easily.

I'm not a fan of such a closed position, does anyone have any good variations (preferably outside of the main line) that I can choose to open up the positions and avoid the sorts of opening mistakes I made?

Also, somewhat unrelated, where can I find GM games sorted by specific openings?

Any other tips about the French would be nice as well.

Thanks!

Try the Monte Carlo Variation (1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. c4), just make sure you know how to play an isolated queen pawn position and you'll be fine.

Just from my limited experience, if you don't like the french I would recommend just playing the exchange variation, then it just breaks down into a normal game of chess. I think that if you play the advanced variation I think it helps black defensively by setting up a wall of pawns.

French Exchange:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGWNcaaNjAI

French Advanced:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BekY5lDd-m4

(Ye' with much higher ratings please chime in)

I was looking at the Monte Carlo, and it could be nice for me, but I wanted to see if there are any other variation that is also known to be good for white. I don't like the idea of removing pawns so quickly, and I'm really good at losing isolated pawns. It does seem like a fine line though, so i will check it out.

I've also been recommended Nbd2, gambiting the d pawn, is that line worth studying?

The Tarrasch? That doesn't gambit the d-pawn. It is a reasonable line, but it often leads to closed positions.

I was referring to the Korchnoi Gambit in particular, which looked like it opened up the game.

Should have been more specific, sorry.

Anyway, is that a viable option to play? I am willing to study a good deal of opening theory on it if it is very complicated...

The Monte Carlo is a bit of a weird variation. I play it about half the time I play the exchange French (I play it probably 90% of the time against the French). If you want more solid. Go for the exchange then play Nf3 Bd3 short castles c3 Bg5 Nbd2 Re1 Nf1 (just natural moves). You can also play a kings indian attack since you have no e pawn and fianchetto kingside.

I find the advanced variation a bit of a mess. Some moves do not come naturally to me and the exchange seems better for me. Cannot say the same for you however (maybe its good maybe not).

I'm sorry, but I'm drawing a blank, could you please write out the moves so I can see what you are talking about?

I wouldn't recommend just playing a normal Exchange, if black plays well, then white will often be on the defense, which isn't super fun.

thanks a lot

I think he is referring to the line 1. e4 e5 2. d4 d5 3. Nbd2 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 c5 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ngf3 Qb6 8. 0-0 cxd4 9. cxd4 Nxd4 10.Nxd4 Qxd4 11. Nf3