This is called: the french defense.
Most common variations are:
The winawer with e4 e6 d4 d5 Nc3
The tarrasch with e4 e6 d4 d5 Nd2
The advance e4 e6 d4 d5 e5
and the exchange e4 e6 d4 d5 exd5
have fun with it :)
Opening Question
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I learnt the caro-kann as my first opening as black so I could begin to learn strategy using a solid positional opening. Now, I am learning the French to learn defense and attack - it's a solid opening but you will definitely need some preparation in it.
Im struggling against "the advance" variation where white plays e5 as their third move. They get a foothold on my side of the board, restricting my movement, and I can't figure out how to beat it. Any advice?
And thanks for everything so far guys! (and gals)
A standard plan is to put pressure on the d4 square (and pawn), there are various ways and move orders to go about this. c5, Nc6, Qb6, Nd7 -> Nf5 etc.
The French was my first "solid" defense. When I started playing, my opponents crushed me in the Sicilian. I was tired of being checkmatted in the middlegame. I studied the French, and I could play longer games, even against stronger players, so I improved my chess abilities.
The advance variation is not the most difficult for black. You have to play c5, Nc6, Bd7, Rc8, Ne7, Nf5, Be7, 0-0, cxd4, f6, fxe5 or f5, and play for the F and C lines with your rooks. Eventually you can destroy the white center with e5 also. Of course white also plays, has more space and can press you in the kingside, but your plan is simple, break with your pawns on c5 and f6.
Your structure is solid, and probably you'll have to play an ending. Is not usual to be chekmated in this varation in the middlegame, with white or black.
So should I take the time to thoroughly explore the French opening, or should I move directly to the Caro-Kann?
The Caro-Kann is a lot different in character to the French. Personally, I prefer the French, with an interesting counterattacking reputation, while the Caro-Kann has the reputation of being very solid, but also boring.
Also, as white Iv been using the Ruy Lopez. (and many variations of the e4, Nf3 opening moves) What do you guys think about this, and are there any openings you suggest I look into? Iv learned the King and Queens Gambit, as well as the Fried Liver attack and (like I mentioned before) the Ruy Lopez... but I would like to expand my arsenal as much as possible.
So people have been playing the advanced opening against me on a regular basis and I have had GREAT success counterpunching. I often lose on time because I play 3-5 minute matches, but I am always ahead when I run out of time. Usually we are in the endgame and Im up a few pawns, or even a major piece. I cant wait to use it in a longer match!
Hi guys, I was just wondering what your thoughts were about the opening e6 against whites e4. e4 is a very common opening move for white, and so far I have had a large amount of success answering with e6. Is there anything that I need to watch out for using this opening? And what is this opening called? (it is usually followed with white playing d4 and black playing d5)