French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation

When playing against the French Defense, white often seeks to control the center and restrict black's pawn movements. The move 3. e5 supports the pawn on d4 and creates a pawn chain that restricts black's c7 pawn from advancing. This move aims to create a defensive wall that helps white to build up a strong position. Additionally, it prepares the possibility of a later d5 pawn break, threatening black's central pawn structure.

The move e6 is a characteristic response to the e4 opening move played by white. By placing the pawn on e6, black aims to control the d5 square, which is an important central square, and prepares to develop their light-squared bishop to either d6 or b4. This move also opens up the possibility of playing a pawn to d5 in the future to contest white's central control. Additionally, it gives support to the knight on f6, guarding the e4 square.

The move d4 by white is playing for central control. By pushing the d-pawn forward, white aims to dominate the center by controlling the squares on e5 and d5. This move also opens up the path for developing the queen's bishop and the queen herself. Additionally, this move creates a direct threat on the e6 pawn, which black may have to address. Finally, this move can also open lines for white's light-squared bishop to potentially become active in the future.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation, Black often wants to play d5 after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4. This move aims to challenge white's central control and open up lines for the queen's bishop and the queen itself. By advancing the d-pawn, Black seeks to counter white's intention of dominating the center. The pawn move also frees up the development of Black's light-squared bishop while putting pressure on white's pawn structure. If White chooses to capture on d5, Black will likely recapture with the c-pawn, maintaining control over the center while opening a new diagonal for the queen's bishop.

When playing against the French Defense, White often seeks to restrict Black's pawn movements and control the center. The move e5 played by White aims to secure the central control by creating a pawn chain on e5 and d4. This move also exerts pressure on Black's d5 pawn, which is a critical central pawn in the French Defense structure. If Black captures the pawn on e5, White will recapture with the f pawn, opening up lines for both the queen's bishop and potentially the queen herself. Furthermore, this move prepares White to potentially play f4 in the future, strengthening their position on the kingside.

In the position that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5, Black often plays c5 to counterattack White's central pawn chain. This move aims to open up lines on the queenside, where Black possesses more space and potential for a counter-play. By playing c5, Black gains more space in the center, potentially weakening white's pawn structure and opening lines for their pieces. This move also allows the development of Black's queen's knight and puts pressure on white's d-pawn. However, Black must be careful not to weaken their own pawn structure on the d-file by playing cxd4, which could lead to long-term problems.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation, White often plays the move c3 after Black plays c5, aiming to reinforce the central pawn chain. This move attacks Black's pawn on d4 and prepares dxc5, which would allow White to recapture with the b-pawn, further strengthening the central pawn structure. The move c3 also allows the development of White's queen's knight to d2, creating additional control over the central squares while preparing to castle kingside. Finally, this move prevents Black's queen's knight from jumping into the b4 square in the future and attacking the white bishop on c1.

In the position that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3, Black often plays Nc6 to complete their development and pressure White's pawn on e5. This move allows Black to bring their knight into play and contest the central squares. Additionally, the knight on c6 defends the d4 square, potentially freeing up the queen's knight to move in the future. By playing Nc6, Black also prepares to castle their king away from the center and creates the possibility of attacking White's pawn on e5 with the bishop or the queen. Finally, the knight on c6 could potentially jump into the d4 square in the future, taking control over the central squares.

In the position that arises after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6, White often plays Nf3 to develop their knight and protect their e5 pawn. By playing Nf3, White takes control of the d4 square, preventing Black's knight from jumping into this square. Additionally, this move prepares for the possibility of castling kingside and putting the king in a safer position. By playing Nf3, White also prepares to potentially reroute their knight to g3, putting additional pressure on Black's pawn on e5. Finally, the move Nf3 allows White to connect their knight with the queen and reinforces potential tactical ideas centered around sacrifices on f7.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation, Black often plays Qb6 after White's move Nf3. This move attacks White's pawn on b2 while preparing to develop Black's light-squared bishop to b4 or a5. By attacking the b-pawn, Black puts additional pressure on White's position while creating the possibility of tactical ideas in the future. Additionally, this move allows Black to connect their rooks and get them into play on the queenside. By playing Qb6, Black also has more central control and puts additional pressure on White's central pawn structure. Finally, this move prepares potential tactical ideas centered around sacrificing on f3 and opening White's position.

In the position that arises after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6, White often plays a3 to prevent Black's light-squared bishop from coming to the b4 square. This move restricts Black's mobility in the queenside, making it harder for the bishop to find an active square. Additionally, a3 prevents Black's knight from jumping into the b4 square, which could happen after the exchange of White's knight on f3. By playing a3, White reinforces the b2-pawn and creates the possibility of playing b4 in the future, expanding their pawn chain on the queenside. Finally, a3 removes any potential threats of Black sacrificing a bishop on the a3 square in the future.

In the position that arises after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3, Black often plays Nh6 to get their knight closer to the kingside and potentially put pressure on White's central pawns. By playing Nh6, Black removes the knight from the pin on the d7-pawn and prepares to develop the f8 bishop to either g7 or e7. This move also opens up opportunities to jump the knight into the g4 square, targeting White's pawn on e5 and putting pressure on the f2 square. Additionally, this move could potentially allow Black to sacrifice the knight on h6 to open up the h-file and create an attack on White's king. Finally, the knight on h6 provides additional support for the pawn on f7, which could be a target for White's future attacks.