ECO code: C02
French Defense: Advance Variation, Nimzowitsch System
The opening moves are: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. Nf3.
This variation is a line within the Advance Variation of the French Defense where White supports the advanced e5 pawn with development of the knight to f3 rather than an immediate c3. The move 4. Nf3 is characteristic for its flexible development, preparing to reinforce the central control and supporting a potential d4-d5 push later.
From White's perspective, this setup is primarily attacking in nature, aiming to maintain central space and restrict Black's counterplay, especially against the d4 pawn. Black, in contrast, employs a counter-attacking strategy focused on challenging White's central pawn chain with the move ...c5 and pressure against d4.
The opening definitely attacks the center. White establishes a strong pawn wedge on e5 while Black contests the center immediately with ...d5 and ...c5, leading to a dynamic battle for central control.
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, Nimzowitsch System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 65 - Move #6 black