French Defense, Advance Variation

The Advance Variation is reached with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5. In algebraic notation, e5 means that White's pawn from e4 advances one square. This avoids an exchange on d5, gains space by controlling more squares in Black's half, and closes much of the center in the French Defense.

White's pawns on e5 and d4 form a chain. The d4-pawn is the base because it supports e5; if it falls, the entire structure may weaken. Black therefore usually plays ...c5 to attack d4, supported by ...Nc6 and ...Qb6. Black may also prepare ...f6 to challenge e5 directly.

White commonly supports d4 with c3 and develops Nf3. The extra space helps an attack on the kingside, the side where the king begins, but the chain can become rigid, and the b1-knight loses c3 when a pawn occupies that square. Black has less space but clear targets and can attack the chain at both ends.

Black attacks White's chain at its base and head

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Starte5c5c3Nc6Nf3Qb6

3.e5 chooses the Advance: it gains space and keeps both pawns in a closed chain.

White's third move defines the structure

White can close, exchange, or develop the knight, and each choice leads to a different family.

1. 3.e5 chooses the Advance: it gains space and keeps both pawns in a closed chain.
2. 3.exd5 exchanges the central pawns and leads to the Exchange Variation, not the Advance.
3. 3.Nc3 maintains the tension and allows the Winawer or Classical families depending on Black's reply.
4. 3.Nd2 enters the Tarrasch and avoids allowing ...Bb4 to pin a knight on c3.

The Winawer Variation may include e5 later, but it starts differently with 3.Nc3 Bb4. In the Advance, White closes the center immediately with 3.e5 before developing that knight.