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.
French Defense: Advance Variation
The Advance Variation of the French Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5. Here, White immediately gains space by pushing the e-pawn forward, gaining a spatial advantage in the center. This move is characteristic for its direct claim on central territory while limiting Black's usual counterplay on the d4-square.
From White's perspective, this variation is attacking in nature, as White aims to cramp Black's position and prepare for a kingside initiative. Black, on the other hand, adopts a more defensive and counterattacking stance, seeking to undermine White's central pawn chain, often targeting the d4 and e5 pawns with moves like ...c5 and ...f6.
Overall, the Advance Variation aggressively attacks the center by White, establishing a strong pawn wedge, while Black tries to challenge and break down this center from a solid but flexible position.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Advance Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 228 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Advance Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.