French Advance

Play as WhiteSystem

White gains space with e5 and attacks the base of Black's pawn chain.

The main line, move by move

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 c4

1. 1. e4 — Claim the center and open lines for the queen and bishop.
2. 1... e6 — The French: prepare ...d5 with a solid pawn chain.
3. 2. d4 — Build a big pawn center.
4. 2... d5 — Strike at the e4 pawn.
5. 3. e5 — Gain space and close the center.
6. 3... c5 — Attack the base of the white pawn chain.
7. 4. c3 — Support d4, the base of the pawn chain.
8. 4... Nc6 — Brings the knight into the game.
9. 5. Nf3 — Brings the knight into the game.
10. 5... Qb6 — Add pressure to the pawn on d4.
11. 6. a3 — Prevent ...Bb4+ and prepare to expand with b4.
12. 6... c4 — Gain space and fix the white pawns.

Related openings

• London System
• Catalan
• English Opening
• Reti Opening
• Colle System

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