French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line

French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line

Definition

The French Defense: Advance Variation, Main Line is a branch of the French Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6. In this line White gains space with the pawn on e5 and prepares to support the center with c3, while Black immediately challenges the d4–e5 pawn chain with ...c5, develops the knight to c6, and pressures d4 with an early ...Qb6.

Typical Move Order

The “classic” five-move sequence is:

1. e4 e6
2. d4 d5
3. e5 c5 (Black strikes at the base of the chain)
4. c3 Nc6 (White reinforces d4; Black develops with another hit on d4)
5. Nf3 Qb6 (Black piles on the pressure, eyeing d4 and b2 simultaneously)

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Chain: White’s e5–d4 pawns point toward the kingside, suggesting a space-gaining, attacking plan. Black’s counterplay is aimed at the dark‐square base on d4.
• Minor-piece Tension: The c6-knight, c8-bishop (often to d7 or b7), and queen on b6 coordinate against d4. White typically responds with 6.a3, 6.Be2, or 6.dxc5, each with different ideas.
• King Safety Choices: White usually castles short; Black may leave the king in the center for a while, prioritizing queenside pressure.
• Breaks:
  • White: c4 (undermining d5), b4, or later f4–f5.
  • Black: …f6 to hit e5, …cxd4 to open the c-file, or …g5 in some sharp side lines.

Historical Significance

The Advance Variation was popularised by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s as a practical way to squeeze space from the French. The specific Main Line with …Nc6 and …Qb6 became a centerpiece of Soviet opening manuals in the mid-20th century, and it featured in World-Championship play:

• Botvinnik – Bronstein, World Championship 1951, Game 6: Botvinnik (Black) employed the main line to equalise and eventually win.
• Korchnoi – Karpov, Candidates 1994: A modern, highly theoretical battle where Korchnoi revived the sharp 6. a3 idea.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short PGN shows a thematic clash culminating in Black’s typical ...f6 break:

Key points:

• The queen on b6 and rook on f8 coordinate on f2 once the f-file opens.
• White must constantly weigh the gains of space against the looming central break …f6.

Modern Theoretical Status

• Engine Evaluation: Top engines hold the line as roughly equal (“0.20” territory) with best play.
• Practical Popularity: At master level, the Advance (all branches) scores slightly over 50 % for White, but the 5…Qb6 main line is one of Black’s most reliable antidotes.
• Trending Lines: Recent games feature 6. Be2 or the gambit-like 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.Bd3, aiming for rapid development rather than pawn preservation.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In early manuals, the move 5…Qb6 was called the Steinitz Variation, as the first World Champion recommended early queen pressure in the French.
• Magnus Carlsen used the Advance Main Line as Black in online blitz to surprise opponents who expected his usual Sicilian setups.
• The pawn structure closely mirrors that of the Caro-Kann: Advance Variation, giving French specialists a ready-made strategic roadmap.

When to Choose This Line

Play the Advance Main Line with White if you enjoy space, long-term kingside plans, and are prepared to defend d4 repeatedly. Select it with Black if you like clear‐cut targets, concrete play, and are comfortable delaying king safety for dynamic counter-chances.