Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...Nc6/2. d4/2...d5/3. e5

Advance variation B00 Nimzowitsch defence → Scandinavian variation 3. e5 · Advance variation White advances the e pawn to avoid the pawn trade. This is considered main option for White. Black usually now plays 3...Bf5 4. c3 e6. In the resulting position, Black has achieved a superior French defence (1. e5 e6) structure, with their bishop developed outside of their pawn chain, but at the cost of their knight on c6 preventing them from playing ...c5 to start counterplay against White's centre. White has a good position and a slight advantage. These positions are complex and unique, with a slight advantage for White but Black has the ability to play for a win. Theory table References See also