French Defense · C02

Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit, Sørensen Variation

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4 Bd7 8. O-O Nxd4 9. Ng5

The structure hands White the half-open d-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. e5 gains space and shuts in Black's king's bishop; White defends it with c3.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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