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, Euwe Variation, 6.Be2 Nge7
This line arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bd7 6. Be2 Nge7. Here, Black develops the knight to e7 rather than the more common f6 or c6 squares, aiming to support the central and queenside tension while keeping flexible options for kingside development.
Characteristic of 6...Nge7: This move is somewhat restrained and prepares to castle kingside safely. It also allows Black to maneuver the knight without immediately challenging White’s pawn chain, often planning to challenge White’s center later with ...Qb6 or ...Nf5.
Strategic nature: For White, this variation is generally attacking, as White maintains a strong pawn chain in the center and space advantage, looking to expand and cramp Black’s position. Black’s setup is more defensive and flexible, focusing on solid development and counterattacking chances, especially targeting White’s advanced e5 pawn.
Center control: The Advance Variation of the French Defense is fundamentally about a fight for the center. White aggressively occupies the center with pawns on d4 and e5, while Black challenges and undermines this center primarily with ...c5 and later ...f6 breaks. The move 6...Nge7 supports this battle indirectly by preparing to challenge White’s center with timely pawn breaks and piece pressure.
You can also discover how top players used French: Advance, Euwe, 6.Be2 Nge7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.