Answers.Body: <p>Actually, the GM who taught me (Vladimir Kosyrev) plays c4! closing the structure then Na5 then Bd7 then Nb3, after Nxb3, you pin the N on b3 with Ba4! and you can leave the pin until the queen moves, of course castle long and f5 to break through on the king side</p>
  
  <pre><code>[FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"] 
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 c4 7. Nbd2 Na5! 8. g3 Bd7 9. Bg2 Nb3 10. Nxb3 Ba4!
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Feel free to look up Vladimir Kosyrevs french games in this position after 6... c4!</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T23:36:40.140Z
Answers.Text: Cool opening. The question is "what to do after 6. ... f6", though.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Eve Freeman
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-22T02:45:34.013Z
Answers.Text: Oh i thought he was asking about what to do as black. Nevermind i guess you can disregard it :)
Answers.UserDisplayName: relipse
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2020-08-03T07:37:22.867Z
Answers.Text: This is actually the main line, yet this doesn't provide an answer to the OP.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Evargalo
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T22:06:24.393Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-01-21T22:13:26.987Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2013-01-21T22:13:26.987Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: relipse
Answers.Body: <p>I think <code>6. ... f6</code> is probably the best move for black at this point. The responses I'd try are <code>7. Bd3</code> or <code>7. Be2</code> or <code>7. b4</code>. <code>7. exf6</code> seems like it just gives black an extra minor piece developed with Nf6, but it doesn't seem horrible either. <code>7. b4</code> looks the most interesting to me, followed by something like... <code>7. ... fxe5 8. dxc5 Qc7 9. Bb5</code> or <code>9. c4 Nf6</code>. Still doesn't feel too great for white, but at least you're almost even.</p>
  
  <p>In <em>Beating the French Defense with the Advance Variation</em>, GM Andrew Soltis doesn't even discuss <code>6. a3</code> as an option. You might consider his recommended line: </p>
  
  <pre><code>[fen ""]
  1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.Be2
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>At this point, the <code>6. ... f6</code> move is reduced to 4th or 5th place for black's options, the best being:</p>
  
  <pre><code>[SetUp "0"]
  [fen "r1b1kbnr/pp3ppp/1qn1p3/2ppP3/3P4/2P2N2/PP3PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 4 6"]
  [StartPly "10"]
  
  6. Be2 cxd4 7. cxd4 Nh6
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>You'll probably find yourself castling short soon, and maybe breaking out <code>a3</code> a few moves later when it will make black feel more pain.</p>
  
  <p>Disclaimer: I'm by no means an opening expert. Just some ideas to try...</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2015-07-20T12:29:39.390Z
Answers.Text: On the other hand, GM Viktor Moskalenko ("The Flexible French", 2008) gives 6. a3 as by far the main move for White, barely considering other options. It's also played twice as often as 6. Be2 in my database.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Cleveland
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T01:18:06.313Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-01-21T19:45:49.733Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2013-01-21T19:45:49.733Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Eve Freeman
Answers.Body: <p><strong>Strengths</strong></p>
  
  <p>Positionally White has just blundered a little by playing <code>a3</code>. <code>f6</code> takes advantage White neglecting to develop a piece and begins to work on attacking <code>d4</code> from the king side ( obviously there is pressure on <code>d4</code> from the queenside as well). Black is listed as having a slight <code>-0.28</code> advantage (23 moves).</p>
  
  <p><strong>Weaknessess</strong></p>
  
  <p>A player who is not experienced defending may lose to a king side assault after moving <code>f6</code>. However, to build the attack it requires White to sac a pawn, and that is all an experienced player needs sometimes to win the game. This would not be a gambit. Black is very strong at this point and <code>a3</code> should seriously be reconsidered.</p>
  
  <p><strong>White's Response</strong></p>
  
  <p>Play defensively. Although the position favors Black, it is still very slight, and an equal slip by the opponent will even the game out. No material has been lost yet. It is very important not to give in to Black's traps. Of which, there are many here, and all include dropping a pawn. Avoid taking first, unless it is absolutely forced. This game is going to continue on with White being forced over and over to make the correct move in order to properly develop and retain equal material.</p>
  
  <p>There are, however, a few traps you may entice your opponent into</p>
  
  <p>Offer a "free" pawn for a positional advantage.</p>
  
  <p><em>7. Bd3...</em></p>
  
  <p>This is a standard continuation of the position in question. Black will realize that by fiancettoing king side they can possibly win the pawn on <code>e5</code>.</p>
  
  <pre><code>[FEN ""]
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. Nbd2 Bg7
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>At this point, allowing Black to take the pawn gives White an undeniable advantage. Here is a continuation if Black takes.</p>
  
  <pre><code>[FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. O-O Bg7 11. Nbd2 Nxe5 12. Nxe5 Bxe5 13. Nf3 Bf6 14. Re1 Ne7 15. Ba4+ Kf8 16. Ne5 Kg8 17. Qf3 Nf5 18. Nd7 Bxd7 19. Bxd7 Kg7 20. a4 Rad8 21. a5 Qd6 22. Bxe6 Rhe8 23. Bf4 Qc6 24. Bxf5 gxf5
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Otherwise, you may be looking at a long grueling, semi closed position:</p>
  
  <pre><code>[FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. Nbd2 Bg7 11. O-O Nge7 12. Qe2 Qc7 13. Re1 O-O 14. b3 b5 15. Bb2 Bd7 16. a4 a6 17. bxc4 bxc4 18. Ba3
  </code></pre>
  
  <hr>
  
  <p><em>Summary</em></p>
  
  <p>What it all boils down to is, don't be overly aggressive, play defensively, and try not initiate a material trade (especially with pawns) when in this position. In my opinion, playing <code>a3</code> is what makes <code>f6</code> seem so disruptive, when the real result was a loss in tempo.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-24T02:39:07.383Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-01-26T01:51:58.620Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2013-01-26T01:51:58.620Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Travis J
Answers.Body: <p>I'd suggest playing 7.Be2, followed by castling short soon. If black plays fxe5, just play dxe5 (even Nxe5 works, but you will simplify a lot, and not give black any problems), which deprives the knight of the f6 square. The g8 knight will likely take one of the h6-f5 or e7-f5 route to plop on h5, after which you may consider even Bd3, if you find the knight particularly annoying on that square. You could follow up with putting your rook on e1, preparing a later f4, etc. following Nimzowitch's overprotection idea of a central pawn.</p>
  
  <p>I'd also suggest not playing 6.a3. It seems very passive, and doesn't create any threats, doesn't help your pieces develop, and creates a weakness on b3. The position looks as if white is playing the black side of some variation of a QGD Meran system with an extra tempo or two. Instead, you may consider aiming for ideas like 6.Bd3 or 6.Be2.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-03-26T14:10:08.453Z
Answers.Text: The other advantage of a3 is that if Black plays 7... a5, then you can go Bd3-Bc2, not being threatened by Nb4
Answers.UserDisplayName: Ferazhu
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T00:32:40.453Z
Answers.Text: For what its worth `6.a3` is the most common theoretical move. It aims to protect the `b4` square. `6.Bd3` is an interesting gambit.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Akavall
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T01:11:22.037Z
Answers.Text: Seems like GM Andrew Soltis recommends `6. Be2` in his book about the advance variation. `6. a3` isn't mentioned (at least, that I could find). Maybe it's too old to have the latest theory (1993)...
Answers.UserDisplayName: Eve Freeman
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Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T06:56:03.603Z
Answers.Text: @Akavall 6.Bd3 isn't a gambit. If black plays cxd4, cxd4, Nxd4, Nxd4, Qxd4, Bb5+ wins the black queen.
Answers.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T19:10:58.910Z
Answers.Text: @chubbycantorset, `6.Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4` black has `7...Bd7`, and white's best choice is to `8. 0-0` and give up the `d4` pawn. Attempting to hold on to the pawn with `8. Bc2` is probably not very good as after `8...Nb4` white either gives up their light-squared bishop for the knight or gives black bishop access to `a6-f1` diagonal, if white plays `9.Bb3`.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Akavall
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-22T02:44:32.753Z
Answers.Text: chubby is right, usually Bd3 leads to gambiting the d4 pawn with a lead in development, but Gm Kosyrev Recommends taking the pawn anyway!
Answers.UserDisplayName: relipse
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-22T05:56:46.010Z
Answers.Text: @Akavall Good point, I missed Bd7. But yeah, I'd certainly gambit a pawn to gain a nice lead in development and kingside initiative.
Answers.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
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Answers.CreationDate: 2013-01-21T00:04:39.103Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-01-21T00:04:39.103Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Answers.Body: <pre><code>[FEN ""]
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. Nxe5 Nxe5 9. Qh5+ Ng6 10. Bxg6 hxg6 11. Qxh8
  </code></pre>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-08-26T03:05:20.793Z
Answers.Text: Yannou, this line is interesting, but if black plays `9... Nf7` instead of `9... Ng6` then black is simply up a piece and white has very little compensation.
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Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-08-26T03:04:15.867Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2013-08-26T03:04:15.867Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: yannou
Body: <p>Consider the following beginning, quite typical of the advance variation of the French defense:</p>
  
  <pre><code>[fen ""]
  
  1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>On what I have seen on the web, the recommended black's next moves are 
  <code>6. ... Nh6</code>, or <code>6. ... Bd7</code>. But what about <code>6. ... f6</code> ? Lately this has been played 
  regularly against me with the white pieces, and I don't know what to do. Any idea?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks,</p>
  
  <p>Joël</p>
  
Tags: <opening><french-defense>
Title: A variant in the French defence advance variation
ThreadText: # A variant in the French defence advance variation
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2013-01-20)
  
  Consider the following beginning, quite typical of the advance variation of the French defense:
  
  ```
  [fen ""]
  
  1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3
  
  ```
  
  On what I have seen on the web, the recommended black's next moves are
  `6. ... Nh6`, or `6. ... Bd7`. But what about `6. ... f6` ? Lately this has been played
  regularly against me with the white pieces, and I don't know what to do. Any idea?
  
  Thanks,
  
  Joël
  
  **Tags:** opening, french-defense
  
  
  ---
  
  ## 5 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_1 on 2013-01-21. Score: 7
  
  Actually, the GM who taught me (Vladimir Kosyrev) plays c4! closing the structure then Na5 then Bd7 then Nb3, after Nxb3, you pin the N on b3 with Ba4! and you can leave the pin until the queen moves, of course castle long and f5 to break through on the king side
  
  ```
  [FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"] 
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 c4 7. Nbd2 Na5! 8. g3 Bd7 9. Bg2 Nb3 10. Nxb3 Ba4!
  
  ```
  
  Feel free to look up Vladimir Kosyrevs french games in this position after 6... c4!
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_2**: Cool opening. The question is "what to do after 6. ... f6", though.  
  > **username_1**: Oh i thought he was asking about what to do as black. Nevermind i guess you can disregard it :)  
  > **username_3**: This is actually the main line, yet this doesn't provide an answer to the OP.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2013-01-21. Score: 4
  
  I think `6. ... f6` is probably the best move for black at this point. The responses I'd try are `7. Bd3` or `7. Be2` or `7. b4`. `7. exf6` seems like it just gives black an extra minor piece developed with Nf6, but it doesn't seem horrible either. `7. b4` looks the most interesting to me, followed by something like... `7. ... fxe5 8. dxc5 Qc7 9. Bb5` or `9. c4 Nf6`. Still doesn't feel too great for white, but at least you're almost even.
  
  In *Beating the French Defense with the Advance Variation*, GM username_10 Soltis doesn't even discuss `6. a3` as an option. You might consider his recommended line:
  
  ```
  [fen ""]
  1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.Be2
  
  ```
  
  At this point, the `6. ... f6` move is reduced to 4th or 5th place for black's options, the best being:
  
  ```
  [SetUp "0"]
  [fen "r1b1kbnr/pp3ppp/1qn1p3/2ppP3/3P4/2P2N2/PP3PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 4 6"]
  [StartPly "10"]
  
  6. Be2 cxd4 7. cxd4 Nh6
  
  ```
  
  You'll probably find yourself castling short soon, and maybe breaking out `a3` a few moves later when it will make black feel more pain.
  
  Disclaimer: I'm by no means an opening expert. Just some ideas to try...
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_4**: On the other hand, GM Viktor Moskalenko ("The Flexible French", 2008) gives 6. a3 as by far the main move for White, barely considering other options. It's also played twice as often as 6. Be2 in my database.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_5 on 2013-01-24. Score: 3
  
  **Strengths**
  
  Positionally White has just blundered a little by playing `a3`. `f6` takes advantage White neglecting to develop a piece and begins to work on attacking `d4` from the king side ( obviously there is pressure on `d4` from the queenside as well). Black is listed as having a slight `-0.28` advantage (23 moves).
  
  **Weaknessess**
  
  A player who is not experienced defending may lose to a king side assault after moving `f6`. However, to build the attack it requires White to sac a pawn, and that is all an experienced player needs sometimes to win the game. This would not be a gambit. Black is very strong at this point and `a3` should seriously be reconsidered.
  
  **White's Response**
  
  Play defensively. Although the position favors Black, it is still very slight, and an equal slip by the opponent will even the game out. No material has been lost yet. It is very important not to give in to Black's traps. Of which, there are many here, and all include dropping a pawn. Avoid taking first, unless it is absolutely forced. This game is going to continue on with White being forced over and over to make the correct move in order to properly develop and retain equal material.
  
  There are, however, a few traps you may entice your opponent into
  
  Offer a "free" pawn for a positional advantage.
  
  *7. Bd3...*
  
  This is a standard continuation of the position in question. Black will realize that by fiancettoing king side they can possibly win the pawn on `e5`.
  
  ```
  [FEN ""]
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. Nbd2 Bg7
  
  ```
  
  At this point, allowing Black to take the pawn gives White an undeniable advantage. Here is a continuation if Black takes.
  
  ```
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. O-O Bg7 11. Nbd2 Nxe5 12. Nxe5 Bxe5 13. Nf3 Bf6 14. Re1 Ne7 15. Ba4+ Kf8 16. Ne5 Kg8 17. Qf3 Nf5 18. Nd7 Bxd7 19. Bxd7 Kg7 20. a4 Rad8 21. a5 Qd6 22. Bxe6 Rhe8 23. Bf4 Qc6 24. Bxf5 gxf5
  
  ```
  
  Otherwise, you may be looking at a long grueling, semi closed position:
  
  ```
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. dxe5 c4 9. Bc2 g6 10. Nbd2 Bg7 11. O-O Nge7 12. Qe2 Qc7 13. Re1 O-O 14. b3 b5 15. Bb2 Bd7 16. a4 a6 17. bxc4 bxc4 18. Ba3
  
  ```
  
  ---
  
  *Summary*
  
  What it all boils down to is, don't be overly aggressive, play defensively, and try not initiate a material trade (especially with pawns) when in this position. In my opinion, playing `a3` is what makes `f6` seem so disruptive, when the real result was a loss in tempo.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2013-01-21. Score: 3
  
  I'd suggest playing 7.Be2, followed by castling short soon. If black plays fxe5, just play dxe5 (even Nxe5 works, but you will simplify a lot, and not give black any problems), which deprives the knight of the f6 square. The g8 knight will likely take one of the h6-f5 or e7-f5 route to plop on h5, after which you may consider even Bd3, if you find the knight particularly annoying on that square. You could follow up with putting your rook on e1, preparing a later f4, etc. following Nimzowitch's overprotection idea of a central pawn.
  
  I'd also suggest not playing 6.a3. It seems very passive, and doesn't create any threats, doesn't help your pieces develop, and creates a weakness on b3. The position looks as if white is playing the black side of some variation of a QGD Meran system with an extra tempo or two. Instead, you may consider aiming for ideas like 6.Bd3 or 6.Be2.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_8**: For what its worth `6.a3` is the most common theoretical move. It aims to protect the `b4` square. `6.Bd3` is an interesting gambit.  
  > **username_2**: Seems like GM username_10 Soltis recommends `6. Be2` in his book about the advance variation. `6. a3` isn't mentioned (at least, that I could find). Maybe it's too old to have the latest theory (1993)...  
  > **username_6**: @username_8 6.Bd3 isn't a gambit. If black plays cxd4, cxd4, Nxd4, Nxd4, Qxd4, Bb5+ wins the black queen.  
  > **username_8**: @username_6, `6.Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4` black has `7...Bd7`, and white's best choice is to `8. 0-0` and give up the `d4` pawn. Attempting to hold on to the pawn with `8. Bc2` is probably not very good as after `8...Nb4` white either gives up their light-squared bishop for the knight or gives black bishop access to `a6-f1` diagonal, if white plays `9.Bb3`.  
  > **username_1**: chubby is right, usually Bd3 leads to gambiting the d4 pawn with a lead in development, but Gm Kosyrev Recommends taking the pawn anyway!  
  > **username_6**: @username_8 Good point, I missed Bd7. But yeah, I'd certainly gambit a pawn to gain a nice lead in development and kingside initiative.  
  > **username_7**: The other advantage of a3 is that if Black plays 7... a5, then you can go Bd3-Bc2, not being threatened by Nb4  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2013-08-23. Score: -2
  
  ```
  [FEN ""]
  1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. a3 f6 7. Bd3 fxe5 8. Nxe5 Nxe5 9. Qh5+ Ng6 10. Bxg6 hxg6 11. Qxh8
  
  ```
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_10**: username_9, this line is interesting, but if black plays `9... Nf7` instead of `9... Ng6` then black is simply up a piece and white has very little compensation.  
  
  ---
  
  