French Defense: Advance Variation, Euwe Variation
French Defense: Advance Variation
Definition
The Advance Variation is one of the principal branches of the French Defense, arising after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5. By immediately pushing the e-pawn two squares, White closes the center and gains space on the kingside at the cost of fixing the pawn chain and delaying piece development.
Typical Move Order
The most common continuations are:
- 3…c5 – Black attacks the d4–pawn and challenges the center.
- 3…Nf6 – Black undermines the e5-pawn directly.
- 3…Bd7 – A less common “Fort Knox”-style approach.
Strategic Ideas
- Space vs. break-points: White enjoys extra space on the kingside and can build up behind the pawns with moves like f4, Nf3, Be3, and Bd3. Black’s plan is to strike with …c5 and …f6, attacking the pawn base of the chain (d4 and e5).
- Fixed pawn structure: Because the center is locked, plans revolve around pawn breaks rather than immediate piece-play. Typical breaks are f4–f5 for White and …f6 or …c5 for Black.
- Piece placement: Knights usually stand on f3/e2 and d2 for White, while Black often places a knight on e7 (supporting …f6) and another on c6.
Historical Significance
The Advance Variation was championed by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s as an example of his prophylactic ideas. Later, it entered mainstream practice through the games of Tigran Petrosian and Viktor Korchnoi. In modern times it remains a popular weapon for players seeking a strategic, maneuvering battle rather than the sharp theory of the Winawer or Classical lines.
Illustrative Example
The diagram (after 8…Nf5) shows a typical position: White has a solid pawn wedge on e5 but must watch d4, while Black has freed the c8-bishop and prepares …Be7 and …O-O before striking with …f6.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the famous Kasparov vs. Short Candidates final (1993), Short relied on the Advance Variation with success, prompting Kasparov to adopt 1.d4 to avoid it in later games.
- The line is a favorite of many computer engines because fixed pawn structures provide clear long-term goals that engines calculate accurately.
- Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov, known for hyper-aggressive openings, nonetheless preferred the quiet Advance French when he needed a solid position with chances to out-maneuver his opponents.
Euwe Variation (in the French Advance)
Definition
The Euwe Variation is a specific branch of the French Defense: Advance Variation, named after former World Champion Dr. Max Euwe. It arises after the sequence 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3. The key move 6.a3 prepares b4, discourages …cxd4 followed by …Qxd4+, and can later support the advance of White’s queenside majority.
Strategic Ideas
- b2–b4 Expander: By securing b4, White hopes to gain space on the queenside and restrict Black’s light-squared bishop.
- Delayed Development: White postpones Nc3 and Bf4/Be3 until the queenside structure is settled, whereas Black rapidly mobilizes with …Nge7 or …Nh6–f5.
- Counterplay Themes:
- Black can respond with …Nh6, …Nf5, and …cxd4, hitting d4 repeatedly.
- If White overextends on the queenside, …f6 often breaks the pawn chain with dynamic play.
Typical Continuations
- 6…c4 (Short Variation) – Black locks the queenside, aiming for …Na5 and …Bd7.
- 6…Nh6 – The main line, rerouting the knight to f5 and targeting d4/e3.
- 6…Nge7 – Supporting …Nf5 without blocking the f-pawn.
Historical & Practical Significance
Max Euwe introduced the idea in the 1920s, using it successfully against leading French specialists of his era. It experienced a renaissance in the 1980s when Viktor Korchnoi and Jon Speelman employed it as White to out-maneuver counter-attacking opponents.
Illustrative Game
Korchnoi – Romanishin, Amsterdam 1980
Here Korchnoi’s 13.g4!? seized kingside space while his queenside pawns clamped down on Black’s minor pieces, illustrating the double-edged character of the variation.
Interesting Facts
- The move 6.a3 was initially considered “too slow,” but Euwe’s analytical notes showed that Black has trouble exploiting the tempo because White’s queenside clamp comes quickly.
- Many modern grandmasters, including Ian Nepomniachtchi, have tried the Euwe Variation in blitz and rapid games to avoid deep engine-prepared mainline theory.
- Because the line often keeps pieces on the board and features long maneuvering, it is a favorite of correspondence players who enjoy strategic depth over tactical forcing lines.