French: 5...Bd7 is variation 4 of 6 in the The Advance against the French and Caro-Kann course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C02). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 …. Black develops the bishop first and keeps the queen at home. White develops with Be2 and brings the knight to c2 by way of a3. The knight guards d4 for a long time. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e6 – The French Defence.
2. d4 – White builds a big centre.
2... d5 – Black attacks e4.
3. e5 – The Advance Variation.
3... c5 – Black hits the chain.
4. c3 – White supports d4.
4... Nc6 – Black adds pressure on d4.
5. Nf3 – White defends d4.
5... Bd7 – Black develops and keeps all options open. The bishop may go to b5 later.
6. Be2 – White develops and gets ready to castle.
6... Nge7 – The knight heads for f5 to attack d4.
7. Na3 – The knight is going to c2, where it guards d4 and b4.
7... cxd4 – Black opens the c-file.
8. cxd4 – White takes back with the pawn.
8... Nf5 – Now Black attacks d4 three times.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
More in The Advance against the French and Caro-Kann
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