comment: This is a normal French position, but the pawn on a4 and the bishop bring fresh nuances. For instance, now White is not worried about the capture on d4, as after this Black's king would remain in the middle of the board.
context: 1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. e4e5  3... c7c5  4. c2c3  4... b8c6  5. g1f3  5... d8b6  6. a2a4 A surprising move early in the game. This isn't listed even in the top five choices of the computer, and it's only the ninth most played move. From what I know, it was never tried by a GM before, so it's a really new concept. To be honest, the move seems quite strange—what's the idea $2 In some lines a4-a5 or Bb5 can be tried, but it seems that after the exchange on d4, the weakened b4-square should give Black good play. Perhaps the greatest merit is forcing the opponent into an unknown position right on move six. 6... c5d4 Definitely the most natural reply, since the b4-square can be used by Black's pieces. 7. c3d4  7... g8h6 This isn't the best way to get the knight to f5, since it allows White the interesting option of capturing it. 8. f1b5  8... h6f5  9. b1c3  9... c8d7 