French Defense: Advance Variation, Paulsen Attack

French Defense: Advance Variation

Definition & Move-order

The Advance Variation is the branch of the French Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5. White immediately pushes the e-pawn one square farther, gaining space in the center and fixing the pawn chain (e5–d4 vs e6–d5). This line is so fundamental that it often appears in textbooks as the illustrative example when discussing “closed center” pawn structures.

Strategic Themes

• Space vs. Flexibility – White obtains an advanced pawn on e5 that cramps Black’s pieces, but the fixed center gives Black clear targets.
• Pawn-chain Theory – With the chain pointing toward the kingside, White usually attacks there (f4–g4–h4 ideas), whereas Black attacks the base of the chain with …c5 and occasionally …f6.
• Good-Knight vs. Bad-Bishop – White’s knight often lands on f4 or e2–d4 and enjoys strong outposts, while Black’s light-squared bishop on c8 can be temporarily hemmed in.
• Typical Breaks
  • Black: …c5, …f6, and sometimes …Qb6 hitting d4 and b2.
  • White: c3 to support the center, a3–b4 to seize queenside space, or f4–f5 to open the kingside.

Popular Set-ups

1. Classical System – 3…c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6, aiming at d4 and b2.
2. Milner-Barry Gambit Deferred – 4. Nf3!? when White aims for c4 and rapid development.
3. Short Variation – 4. c3 Bd7 5. Nf3 with quiet piece play, named after GM Nigel Short.

Historical Notes

• The Advance was championed by Aaron Nimzowitsch, who extolled the space-gaining virtues of the advanced center pawn. • In the 1970s, Viktor Korchnoi turned it into a main-line weapon against Anatoly Karpov. • Modern grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian, and Alexander Grischuk still employ the variation in elite play.

Illustrative Mini-Game

A digest-length sample shows the key ideas in action:

Interesting Facts

• The structure can transpose into the King’s Indian Defense (reversed colors!), making it attractive for players who thrive on closed, strategic positions.
• The move 3. e5 was once considered anti-chess by 19th-century romantics because it locks the center; today it is one of the most deeply analyzed French branches.
• Computer engines initially disliked White’s set-up, but neural-network engines (Leela & AlphaZero) discovered dynamic kingside plans that have revived enthusiasm for the variation.

Paulsen Attack (against the French Defense)

Definition & Move-order

The Paulsen Attack is an aggressive, seldom-seen try against the French that begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. f4!? Named after 19th-century German master Louis Paulsen, the move 3.f4 throws theory out the window and offers a pawn to seize the initiative.

Main Ideas

• Immediate Kingside Initiative – By supporting e4-e5 or gambiting the e-pawn after …dxe4, White hopes to open the f-file for the rook.
• Psychological Surprise – Because it is rare in modern play, it serves as a potent weapon in rapid or blitz time controls.
• Flexible Transpositions – If Black declines the pawn, lines can transpose into a King’s Gambit-style position or even the Stonewall (after f4-e5-c3-Nf3-Bd3).

Critical Choices for Black

1. 3…dxe4 – Accepting the pawn. Typical continuation: 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. f3!?, when White regains the pawn with dynamic piece play.
2. 3…c5 – Counterattacking the center immediately, reminiscent of the mainline Advance themes, but with extra tension on f4.
3. 3…Nf6 – Development first; if 4. e5 then …Ne4, challenging White’s overextended center.

Historical & Modern Usage

Louis Paulsen employed the idea in casual games in the 1860s. While it vanished from mainstream theory, it re-emerged in the computer-chess era where surprise value is again at a premium. Notable contemporary appearances include:

• Richard Rapport vs. Li Chao, 2016 Shenzhen Blitz – Rapport unleashed 3.f4 and scored a quick miniature.
• Magnus Carlsen tried the line in online fast chess against Wesley So (2020 Banter Blitz Cup), demonstrating its blitz potential.

Sample Gambit Line

In this illustrative fantasy game, White sacrifices material to keep the black king in the center; the final mating net highlights the attacking chances embedded in the pawn sacrifice.

Practical Tips

• Study the thematic exchange sacrifice Rxf6 when Black castles short; the open f-file is your lifeline.
• If Black plays …c5 early, consider c3 reinforcing d4 and aiming for a French Stonewall where your f-pawn is already advanced.
• Because theory is shallow, be ready to rely on general attacking principles rather than precise memorization.

Did You Know?

• Louis Paulsen was a pioneer of time management; he would sit motionless for long stretches, prompting tournament organizers to invent modern chess clocks.
• The Paulsen Attack predates the famous Wing Gambit ideas; some historians call it the “French King’s Gambit”.
• In correspondence chess, engines give a slightly plus-equal evaluation to Black, but the practical score in blitz leans toward White due to surprise and complexity.