Morphy v The French (conclusions)

BASED on his limited, but highly successful, record on the White side of 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, here is how to play against the French a la Paul Morphy.
1. Exchange pawns on d5.
2. Follow up with 4.Nf3, 5.Bd3, 6.0-0 and 7.Nc3, unless Black does something unusual that can be immediately exploited.
3. If Black castles short, manoeuvre on the kingside to try to create weaknesses. Consider whether a direct kingside attack can be launched with g4 (assuming h3 has already been played).
4. If Black prepares to castle long, pre-empt his plan by gaining space on the queenside. Consider how best to transfer White's pieces to the queenside. This may involve a temporary retreat to free a key square, as with 17.Be2!? in game 12 of Morphy's match against Löwenthal (see part three of the series).
5. Keep pawn moves to a minimum in the opening and early middlegame, unless a pawn can be moved without loss of tempo.
6. Be alert for tactical opportunities based on a lead in development. In the French Exchange, White has the advantage of the move in a symmetrical position, and it only takes one non-developing move by Black to give White a lead, at least temporarily, of two development tempi.