1.e4 — the open games
French Defence, Advance Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5ECO C02
White grabs space with 3.e5, locking the centre and gaining a spatial clamp. Black counterattacks the d4/e5 chain at its base with …c5 and …Nc6, aiming at the d4-point. A clear, plan-rich battle of White's space versus Black's pressure on the pawn chain.
Key ideas
- The e5/d4 chain gives White kingside space; Black strikes its base with …c5 (and …f6 later).
- The classic French problem — Black's light-squared bishop — is met by …b6/…Ba6 or a timely …f6 break.
- White supports d4 with c3 and Nf3; the fight revolves around whether Black can undermine the chain.
Who it suits
Players who like a clear, space-gaining plan against the French and enjoy pawn-chain strategy.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the French Defence, Advance Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer