French Defense: Advance Variation
ECO C02 · French Defense · solid · beginner
The French Defense: Advance Variation (C02) is a solid chess opening in the French Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6. Fixed pawn chain. Black attacks the base. Recommended for beginner players.
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6
About this opening
The Advance Variation (3.e5) closes the center and grants White a clear space advantage, exploited with f4, Nf3 and Bd3 toward a kingside attack. Black targets the base of the chain with ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...Qb6, pressuring the d4 pawn. Aron Nimzowitsch theorized its blockade plans; it is a battle of structures where every pawn break is decisive.