French Defense Advance Variation: Practice GothamChess's Video Move by Move

Name: Learn the French Defense | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Uploaded: 2020-11-08
Duration: 9 min 39 s
Channel: GothamChess
Description: GothamChess explains the French Defense Advance Variation. In the Advance French, play c5 and Qb6 to pressure the center, then reroute Nh6-f5 to target d4.

From GothamChess's video. You play Black. In the Advance French, play c5 and Qb6 to pressure the center, then reroute Nh6-f5 to target d4.

The line

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Be2 Nh6 7. Bxh6 gxh6 8. b3 Rg8 9. g3

Your moves, explained

1... e6 Supports d5 and defines the French pawn chain.
2... d5 Contests e4 and sets up the French structure.
3... c5 Attacks the d4 base and keeps White under pressure.
4... Nc6 Piles on d4 and prepares further queenside play.
5... Qb6 Creates dual threats that force White to be careful.
6... Nh6 Starts the maneuver to f5 where it targets d4.
7... gxh6 Opens the g-file for the rook to become active.
8... Rg8 Puts immediate pressure down the g-file.

Key moments in the video

0:13 King pawn opens
0:14 French: e6 first
1:42 Advance Variation
1:50 Strike center now
2:22 Develop and press
2:26 Queen hits b2 & d4
2:42 Solid: avoids trap

Want the theory behind it? Read our French Defense Advance Variation guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the French Defense Advance Variation?

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Be2 Nh6 7. Bxh6 gxh6 8. b3 Rg8 9. g3. You play Black; In the Advance French, play c5 and Qb6 to pressure the center, then reroute Nh6-f5 to target d4.

How do I practise the French Defense Advance Variation?

Watch GothamChess's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 8 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where GothamChess explains each move.

Do I need an account?

No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.

Practice the French Defense Advance Variation