Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. Nf3/2...d5/3. e5/3...c5

French defence C00 French defence 3...c5 This is Black's most natural and common move. White usually plays this variation to respond with /4. b4/, the Wing gambit. While not objectively the best move, there aren't many reasons to use this move order to transpose into different French lines. /4. d4/ transposes into the Nimzowitsch system of the French advance variation. 4. c3 is not an effective way to get into the advance variation, since Black can play the move 4...d4, resulting in completely different positions. Theory Table Wing gambit 4. b4 cxb4 5. a3 Nc6 Nimzowitsch system 4. d4 Nc6 4. c3 d4 5. Bd3 Nc6 References See also French Defence