Originally posted by MerchantParkProAgh, second person...this thread is about the French defense from the WHITE POINT OF VIEW. WHITE. Not black, WHITE.
There's nothing wrong with the advance variation.....but I though this thread was about a black defence to either 3.Nd2 or 3.Nc3. The advance is defined by white.
Chess is a very complicated game and new ideas are being learned deep into the opening all the time. There is no possible way to have any definition so early as move three. Strong players understand this. Anyone who says something absurd like "Nd2 is good for a draw and Nc3 is winning" or anything similiar is either joking, a weak player, or a crook like Reinfeld, Soltis, etc, trying to sell a shoddy chess book.
Originally posted by MerchantParkProI will completely agree that the systems 3.e5 and 3.Nd2 have their advantages as well, but I am taking the responsibility to recommend to you to study and to play the most principled move for White and that is - 3.Nc3. Well, I understand that the devotees to that active knight-move must know a lot of theoretical variations, but I can assure you - this move creates most of all problems for Black and it provides White with greatest chances to obtain an opening advantage. I believe these short explanations are going to convince you that Black's move 3...Bb4 disrupts immediately the natural balance on the board. He is ready to exchange a bishop for a knight; meanwhile White will have the kingside as his field for actions. Black will act on the queenside trying to exploit White's weakened pawn-structure there.
Chess is a very complicated game and new ideas are being learned deep into the opening all the time. There is no possible way to have any definition so early as move three. Strong players understand this. Anyone who says something absurd like "Nd2 is good for a draw and Nc3 is winning" or anything similiar is either joking, a weak player, or a crook like Reinfeld, Soltis, etc, trying to sell a shoddy chess book.
Alexander Khalifman
Originally posted by BedlamI think the fact that the list of Super GM's I gave: Adams, Ivanchuk, Svidler, Leko, Rublevsky, Akopian, Ponomariov, Kasparov, etc, (all of which much stronger and higher rated than Khalifman) all played 3.Nd2 recently, is proof enough that there is nothing "better" about 3.Nc3.
I will completely agree that the systems 3.e5 and 3.Nd2 have their advantages as well, but I am taking the responsibility to recommend to you to study and to play the most principled move for White and that is - 3.Nc3. Well, I understand that the devotees to that active knight-move must know a lot of theoretical variations, but I can assure you - this move cr ...[text shortened]... he queenside trying to exploit White's weakened pawn-structure there.
Alexander Khalifman
Originally posted by cmsMasterI personally mostly play 3.Nc3 these days, though obviously it's ultimately a matter of choice and taste. I personally prefer more open positions, but it's interesting that when I've talked to strong players (including GMs) who play the French which line they most fear, it's often the Advance (3.e5).
Now that I've got the attention of every French player on this forum I have a question about this defense from the white perspective. How does the theory of 3.Nc3 compare to that of the Tarrasch? And which do you less like to face and/or have more trouble against?
Originally posted by Northern LadReally, 3.e5? I wasn't expecting it to be that honestly, and it's a line that I have used before. Perhaps I should give it another chance, did they give any specific reasons for fearing this move the most?
I personally mostly play 3.Nc3 these days, though obviously it's ultimately a matter of choice and taste. I personally prefer more open positions, but it's interesting that when I've talked to strong players (including GMs) who play the French which line they most fear, it's often the Advance (3.e5).
Originally posted by MerchantParkProI didn't say what you said I said. Look at the first two words of my post dude. READ. And come into the forums with a better attitude. I state my OPINION, and you attack me. Grow up. And do I have to name all the top GM's that have played 3. Nc3? I think that might be a little excessive, since it's everyone. Just because Adams plays the move doesn't mean it's better. He might just like the move better. I am not saying in the theory Nc3 is better, I am saying I think it's better and I like the move more. Simple as that. And to the person who wants to avoid the doubled c-pawns in the Winawer, check out the line 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. Bd2!?
I guess you know better than GM's: Adams, Ivanchuk, Svidler, Leko, Rublevsky, Akopian, Ponomariov, and a retired old patzer by the name of Gary Kasparov.
you are a sicilian like i am. we prefer sharp tactical lines rather than closed games that have a lot more to do with strategy. when facing defenses that challlenge my center like that i have turned to the exchange variations. in the caro kann and in the french. try it out its a lot easier than being attacked all game.