The French Advance
Locked pawn chains — attack the base, defend the head.
French Defense Advance Variation King's Indian Attack (reversed)
Key Positions
French Advance: White's e5 locks the center
Black strikes at the chain base with ...c5
Black may also undermine with ...f6
Plans
White's Plans
-
c3Defend d4 — the anchor of the entire pawn chain. -
f4Reinforce e5 to maintain the space wedge. - Build a kingside attack using the space advantage: Qg4, Bd3, and piece pressure on h7.
- If Black plays ...f6, recapture to keep lines closed or open depending on piece placement.
Black's Plans
-
...c5Strike at d4, the base of White's chain — the most important break. -
...f6Attack the head of the chain on e5 to relieve the space cramp. -
...Qb6Pile pressure on d4 along with ...Nc6 and ...cxd4. - Don't wait — if neither break comes, White's space advantage becomes crushing.
Key Principle
Attack a pawn chain at its base (Nimzowitsch). For Black, d4 is the target. For White, defend d4 and use the space advantage to attack the king.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 of 4
Which pawn should Black target in the French Advance?