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FRENCH ADVANCED

The French is a deep psychological strategy on Black's part. The Black is willing to accept a somewhat modestly cramped position in exchange for simple strategic plans in a closed position. Black can avoid an early tactical battle and a theoretical strategic contest to see who knows more theory. After the first two moves, White can open the game with exd5, but this leads to a very drawish structure due to the symmetry of pawns and the fact that lots of material will be changed along the e-file. White can also choose to support the pawn in e4 via Nc3 or Nd2, but for the time being, we will focus on the advanced variation. In the advanced variation. White advance e4-e5 immediately. Once Black has induced White into playing e5, Black starts with the second part of the plan, which is siege the pawn center to break it down with moves like:

Breaks with c5
Breaks with f6
Piece Pressure on d4

White has plans of its own. Since White has a space advantage, it can plan for a Kingside attack with moves like f4-f5 or even find some play in the Queenside. At the same time, White will focus on maintaining the center.

Black's plans are a bit easier to carry out than White's, which require more finese and preparation.. IF White is unprepared, it can easily fall under an attack in the Center or in the Queenside.

But Black also has to accept a few downsides in its position. Black is accepting a pawn in e6 for passive defense which leads to somewhat cramped position. Black light bishop looks sick compared to the others. If White has not still advanced its pawn to e5, Black needs to carefully time natural developing moves such as Nf6 or Bd6 as they will fall to a pawn fork by e5.

Starting position of the French Advanced Variation

Line with 5...Qb6 6.Be2

5....Qb6 is one of the most aggressive variations placing pressure on the pawn at d4 from the start. If White plays a natural-looking move like 6.Be2, this is what happens. Note that Black's attack can develop very rapidly.

Line with 5...Qb6 6.a3

We have seen how Black can rapidly develop an attack on d4. 6.a3 is currently the most fashionable answer to 5....Qb6

VIDEO LESSONS

Playing the French Advanced, by Damien Lemos

Pawn Structure - The French Defense - Strategy Session by Jonathan Schrantz

The French Defense by Dereque Kelley

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