French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack

In the French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, white starts with e4 aiming to control the center of the board. This move also enables the bishop on c1 and the queen on d1 to be developed to active squares. It puts pressure on black's position by threatening to capture the d5 pawn and gaining control of the center. By playing e4, white can gain an advantage in space, development, and control of the board.

By playing e6, Black aims to control the center with d5, preventing white from pushing their pawn to d4. Additionally, e6 prepares to activate the dark-squared bishop on c8 by clearing the way for its development. It also helps to control the d5 square, making it difficult for white to advance their pawn without making a sacrifice. The move e6 is one of the most common responses to the move e4, as it also prepares for the French Defense and other variations.

By playing d4, White aims to immediately occupy the center of the board, which can lead to a significant advantage in development and control of the position. If Black captures the d4 pawn instead of advancing their own, White can recapture with their queen and gain a tempo, which means an extra move that can be used to develop their pieces. D4 also prepares for the bishop to be developed to a strong position, whether on c4 or d3. This move is a common response to e6 and can lead to a variety of both open and closed positions.

In the French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Black aims to play d5 after white's move d4. This move aims to control the center with a pawn and follow the principle that "knights before bishops," by developing the knight on f6 before the bishop on c8. D5 also puts pressure on the e4 pawn, as it can be captured by the d5 pawn, potentially damaging white's pawn structure. Black's move to d5 creates a pawn chain from d5 to e6, which can be a solid foundation for their pieces while at the same time placing pressure on the center of the board. In sum, d5 is a natural move in response to d4 and a key part of the French Defense.

By playing Nc3, White aims to further develop their pieces and control the center of the board. Nc3 prepares for the knight to be developed to a strong position on d5, controlling key squares and putting pressure on Black’s position. White's knight can also be used to support a future pawn push to e5, further controlling the center and threatening to create a strong pawn structure. Additionally, Nc3 can support a pawn on b4 in some variations and prepare for a minority attack on the queenside. In sum, Nc3 is a strong developing move that prepares for future strategic plans and tactics.

In response to Nc3, Black aims to develop their knight to f6, where it can control important central squares and help support a future pawn push to d4. Developing the knight to f6 also prepares for bishop development and castling. Moreover, Nf6 puts pressure on White's pawn on e4, potentially forcing it to be defended and challenging White's control of the center of the board. This move is a key part of the French Defense and is often followed by moves like Be7 and 0-0, aiming to develop pieces and create a solid pawn structure.

In the French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, White plays Bg5 as a way to put pressure on Black's position. The bishop aims to exchange itself for Black's knight on f6, forcing Black to double their pawns. If the exchange occurs, the pawn on e6 will become isolated and vulnerable, potentially becoming a weakness for Black. Moreover, Bg5 pins the knight on f6, potentially making it difficult for Black to castle kingside. This move can also support the future pawn push to h4, which could create further weaknesses in Black’s position. In sum, Bg5 is a strategic move that puts pressure on Black's position and limits their options.

In response to Bg5, Black aims to develop their bishop to e7, where it can control the d8-h4 diagonal and support castling kingside. Developing the bishop also allows coordination with the knight on f6 and prepares for the exchange of knights if necessary. By playing Be7, Black can also avoid the potential knight exchange on f6 that could lead to doubled pawns. Moreover, Be7 keeps the option open to castle on the kingside, which will provide safety for Black’s king and allow for the rooks to be connected. In sum, Be7 is an important move that aims to improve Black's position and prepare for future developments.

By playing e5, White aims to gain control of the center and open lines to put pressure on Black's position. The pawn fork attacks Black's knight and bishop, potentially forcing an exchange that will disrupt Black's pawn structure or lead to doubled pawns. If Black doesn't capture the pawn, it can be supported and advanced, leading to a strong pawn center and threatening to open up lines after f4. Playing e5 can also create openings for White's queen to join the attack once the pawn has been supported by other pieces. In sum, e5 is a key move for White in many variations of the French Defense as it can give them a strong central position and make it difficult for Black to counterattack effectively.

In the French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Black plays Nfd7 after White's move e5. By moving the knight, Black aims to defend their d5 pawn and prepare for a potential exchange on e5. Nfd7 also clears the way for the queen or bishop to potentially be developed to d7 to support the defense of the pawn on d5. Moreover, Nfd7 avoids the potential trade on f6 that would lead to doubled pawns. This move allows Black to maintain control of the center of the board and create options for future developments. In sum, Nfd7 is a strong move in response to e5 and helps Black to solidify their position and control key squares on the board.

By playing h4, White aims to control the g5 square and potentially limit the movement of Black's knight on f6. H4 can also create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure by forcing the knight to move to an unfavorable position and potentially allowing White's pieces to penetrate Black's position. Moreover, h4 prepares for a possible pawn push to g4 in the future, creating space for White's queen and bishop and threatening to weaken Black's king position. If Black chooses not to address h4, White could potentially push the pawn to h5, further restricting Black's options. In sum, h4 is a strategic move that puts pressure on Black's pieces and position.