French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line, White plays e4 with the intention of gaining control over the central squares of the board. By advancing the pawn to e4, White creates a strong pawn center and frees up the development of the queen and bishop. This opening is a popular choice for White as it puts pressure on the black d5 pawn and limits Black's counterplay. Additionally, by playing e4, White aims to take control of the game and dictate the pace of play.

Black plays e6 in response to e4 with the aim of controlling the d5 square. By placing the pawn on e6, Black creates a strong pawn chain that runs from d6 to e5. This formation not only supports the advance of the d-pawn but also restricts White’s pawn on e4 and prevents it from advancing to e5. Additionally, the pawn on e6 prepares for the development of Black's light-squared bishop to support the defense of the center. In sum, e6 is a solid and flexible opening choice for Black.

White plays d4 after e6 as it aims to take control of the central squares and free up the development of the queen and bishop. The move d4 gains space in the center and puts pressure on the black e6 pawn, which is supporting the d5 pawn. This move is also a key part of many aggressive variations of the French Defense and often leads to complex positions with attacking opportunities for White. By playing d4, White creates a strong pawn center and restricts Black's pawn mobility while gaining more control over the board.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line, Black plays d5 in response to the move d4, aiming to undermine White's strong pawn center and gain control over the center. The move d5 also frees up Black's pieces, allowing the light-squared bishop to be developed and the queen to exert pressure on the central squares. This move creates immediate tension in the center, forcing White to either capture on d5 or push the pawn to e5, giving Black more control and space. By playing d5, Black looks to establish a solid position while creating counterplay and limiting White's options in the opening.

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, White plays e5 to break up Black's pawn chain and gain more space in the center. Occupying the e5 square also puts pressure on Black's position and restricts the mobility of the knight on f6. This move aims to take control of the center and create attacking opportunities against Black's kingside. Playing e5 can also open up lines for the light-squared bishop and queen, which can be used effectively for attacking purposes. In sum, this move is a key attacking weapon for White and can lead to complex and tactical positions.

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5, Black plays c5 to gain control over the d4 square and gain space on the queenside. The move c5 also targets the e5 pawn, forcing White to make a decision on whether to capture on c5 and give Black a central pawn or leave the pawn on e5 and allow Black to place a piece on d4. The pawn on c5 can also provide a retreat square for Black's knight on c6 and a launching pad for minority attacks on the queenside. By playing c5, Black creates immediate counterplay against White's pawn chain and develops a central pawn majority.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line, White plays c3 as a preparatory move for developing the knight on c3 while maintaining control over the d4 square. The move c3 supports the white pawn on d4 and limits black's advance on d4. This move also prepares b4 to chase Black's queen from its aggressive position on b6. Additionally, c3 is often used in conjunction with dxc5 to gain control of the d5 square and prevent a future advance of the pawn to d4. In sum, the move c3 is a flexible and important move in the Advance Variation as it prepares for future developments and helps maintain control over the center of the board.

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3, Black plays Nc6 to develop a knight and prepare for the mobilization of its queenside pieces. The knight on c6 also exerts pressure on the d4 pawn and prepares for a future capture on d4, as well as supporting a potential pawn advance to b5. By playing Nc6, Black gains control over the d4 square and creates a coherent and harmonious development for the knight. Additionally, the knight on c6 can support Black's central pawn majority and contribute to minority attacks on the queenside. In sum, Nc6 is a solid and flexible move, which aims to establish a balanced position and limit White's central control.

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6, White plays Nf3 to develop the knight and complete the "ideal" setup in the center. The knight on f3 also supports the pawn on e5, and together, they control the central squares. This move prepares for future castling and the deployment of the light-squared bishop while maintaining flexibility in White's position. Additionally, Nf3 can contribute to a kingside attack by supporting an eventual pawn advance on g4 or h4. In sum, Nf3 is a natural and harmonious move in the Advance Variation, which helps coordinate and reinforce White's position in the center.

In the French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line, Black plays Qb6 to put pressure on White's pawn on b2 and potentially target the weakened pawn on a3 after a future b4. The queen on b6 can also serve as a defensive piece, supporting Black's own pawn on b7 and guarding the c5 square. Additionally, the queen on b6 can exert pressure on White's position and create tactical opportunities in the center and on the queenside. By playing Qb6, Black positions its queen aggressively and seeks to create a dynamic and active game.

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6, White plays a3 as a prophylactic move to prevent Black's eventual b4 pawn thrust. a3 also prepares the retreat of the bishop to a2 while maintaining control over the b4 square. This move further ensures the safety of the queen on b3 from potential attacks by Black's knight or bishop. Additionally, a3 can support a later pawn advance to b4 by White, disrupting Black's pawn chain and creating more space on the queenside. In sum, a3 is a flexible move, which aims to maintain control, prevent counterplay, and prepare for future tactical opportunities.