French Defence: Advance: main line, ideas and how to practise it
Against 1.e4 as Black. A main line to learn move by move, with the idea behind each key move.
The main line
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 c4 7. Nbd2 Na5
You play Black. In the analyzer's drill the other side's moves are played for you and Stockfish checks each of yours.
Practise it with free drillsAnalyze one of your own games
The ideas behind the moves
- 3... c5: Strike at the base of White's pawn chain on d4.
- 5... Qb6: Pile up on d4 and hit b2 at the same time.
- 6... c4: White wanted b4; ...c4 fixes the queenside and hands the knight b3.
- 7... Na5: The knight heads for b3.
Legends who played it
- Tigran Petrosian: 144 games in the French Defense, 59% score
- Alexander Alekhine: 134 games in the French Defense, 74% score
- Mikhail Tal: 89 games in the French Defense, 69% score
- Mikhail Botvinnik: 83 games in the French Defense, 65% score
- Magnus Carlsen: 83 games in the French Defense, 77% score
- Emanuel Lasker: 77 games in the French Defense, 66% score
- Anatoly Karpov: 58 games in the French Defense, 72% score
- Wilhelm Steinitz: 45 games in the French Defense, 73% score
More openings to learn
- Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo
1.e4 e5 for White - Ruy Lopez: Closed
1.e4 e5 for White - Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 for White - Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox
1.d4 for White - London System
1.d4 for White - Sicilian Najdorf: English Attack
Against 1.e4 as Black - Caro-Kann: Classical
Against 1.e4 as Black - Scandinavian Defence
Against 1.e4 as Black - King's Indian: Classical
Against 1.d4 as Black - Queen's Gambit Declined: Tartakower
Against 1.d4 as Black