ECO code: C02
French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation
The Lputian Variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 Nh6. This line is a lesser-known but flexible approach within the Advance Variation of the French Defense.
Characteristic of the move 6...Nh6: Black's knight move to h6 is somewhat unconventional, aiming to reroute the knight via f5 or to support ...Nf5, putting pressure on White's strong pawn center, especially the d4 and e5 pawns. It also prepares for potential kingside activity, while avoiding early exchanges in the center.
From Black's perspective, this variation is dynamic and somewhat attacking, as Black challenges White's center indirectly and looks for counterplay on the kingside and center squares. White, meanwhile, maintains a solid central presence with pawns on d4 and e5, aiming to restrict Black's piece activity and prepare for a gradual buildup.
This opening directly contests the center. White's advance with e5 grabs space, while Black challenges it with c5 and piece pressure, including the knight maneuver to h6. Both sides focus on controlling and undermining the central squares, making central tension a key theme in this variation.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Advance Variation, Lputian Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #17 black