Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. e5/3...c5/4. c3/4...Nc6/5. Nf3/5...Qb6/6. a3

French Defence: Advance Variation Advance variation C02 6. a3 By playing 6. a3 White eliminates any possibility of a b4 intrusion. White is also preparing to assert themselves on the queenside via b2-b4. Furthermore, b2-b4 frees the c1 bishop from minding the b2 pawn. Black has three main options in this position. /6...c4/ is the main line. Black relieves the pressure in the centre and prevents White from playing b4. /6...Nh6/ is the Lputian variation. Black tries to route the kingside knight to f5 without obstructing the dark-squared bishop's view of c5. Taking the knight with 7. Bxh6? would be unwise. /6...Bd7/ is a quieter variation. Bd7 is going to be a useful move in nearly all advance French positions. Black is postponing the development of the kingside knight for now. Theory table 6. ... c4 7. Nbd2 Na5 8. Be2 Bd7 Lputian variation 6. ... Nh6 7. b4 cxd4 8. cxd4 Nf5 6. ... Bd7 7. b4 cxd4 8. cxd4 Rc8 References French Defence