French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation, Exchange Variation

Playing e4 allows White to immediately establish control over the center of the board, preventing Black's pieces from gaining a foothold there. By moving the pawn two squares forward, White also frees up the bishop on c1, allowing it to develop and participate in the game. This move is a highly aggressive move that seeks to dominate the center of the board and puts pressure on Black's position from the outset.

By playing e6, Black defends the pawn on d5 and establishes control over the d4 square, preventing White from pushing their pawn forward and gaining a major foothold in the center. The pawn also allows Black to prepare to develop their bishop on c8 and knight on f6, and potentially castle their king. Additionally, e6 creates a barrier that can make it difficult for White to penetrate into the Black's position, making it a solid and flexible move.

Playing d4 is a strong move that supports White's central control by attacking Black's pawn on e5. This move also frees the queen and king bishop, and puts pressure on Black's position. White aims to establish a pawn chain with pawns on d4 and e4, which form a strong center and limit the mobility of Black's pawns. The move also sets the stage for further development of White's pieces, including the knight on f3 and the bishop on c1. In sum, d4 facilitates White's control of the center and puts pressure on Black from the outset.

In the French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation, Exchange Variation, playing d5 is a strong response that challenges White's central control and aims to equalize the position. By occupying the central square with the pawn, Black aims to limit White's options for further expansion in the center. This move also helps to activate Black's pieces, particularly the light-square bishop on c8. If White captures the pawn on d5, then Black can recapture with their pawn, which reinforces Black's control over the center and develops their pieces more rapidly. In sum, d5 is a strategically important move that aims to neutralize White's initial advantage.

Playing Nc3 is a strong developing move that places a knight in the center and puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5. The move also prepares to support White's control over the center and frees up the queen to potentially move to d3 or f3. Additionally, the knight on c3 can potentially attack Black's weak pawn on b5. By bringing a piece into the game, White aims to increase pressure on Black and prepare for further strategic advances. In sum, Nc3 is a strong and effective move that improves White's position.

Playing Nf6 is a solid developing move that attacks White's knight on c3, which is a key piece in White's control of the center. The move also prepares to support Black's pawn on d5, which is currently under attack. Additionally, the knight on f6 helps to control the center and opens up potential lines for Black's pieces to move. By bringing another piece into the game, Black aims to increase their activity and defend their position, while simultaneously creating threats for White to deal with. In sum, Nf6 is a strong and principled move that improves Black's position.

In the French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation, Exchange Variation, playing Bg5 is a natural move that continues to put pressure on Black's position. The move pins Black's knight on f6, which is a key defender of the d5 pawn, and can potentially lead to an exchange of that knight for White's bishop. Additionally, Bg5 attacks Black's light-square bishop on e7, which can become a potential weak point in Black's position. The bishop on g5 also helps to control the center and potentially prepare for castling. In sum, Bg5 is a strategic move that increases White's activity and puts pressure on Black to respond carefully.

Playing Bb4 is a strong move that attacks White's knight on c3 and forces it to either retreat or be exchanged for Black's bishop. The move also supports Black's control over the center and creates potential threats against White's position. The bishop on b4 helps to prevent White from castling on the kingside and opens up potential lines for Black's pieces to move. Additionally, Bb4 can potentially lead to the capture of White's knight with the pawn on d4, which would create a strong pawn structure for Black. In sum, Bb4 is a strong attacking move that improves Black's position.

Playing exd5 is a natural move that captures Black's bishop and opens up the position. The move creates pressure on Black's position and potentially weakens Black's pawn structure. Additionally, exd5 helps to clarify the center and potentially frees up White's pieces to move more freely. The captured bishop on b4 is not a critical piece in Black's position and its loss is not a significant disadvantage for Black. In sum, exd5 is a tactical move that disrupts Black's development and improves White's position.