French: 5...Qb6 6.Be2 is variation 3 of 6 in the The Advance against the French and Caro-Kann course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C02). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 …. White develops the bishop and castles quickly. After the trade on d4, Black brings a knight toward f5. White gives the bishop for this knight and wrecks Black's kingside pawns. 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 at once.
4. c3 – White supports d4.
4... Nc6 – Black adds pressure on d4.
5. Nf3 – White defends d4.
5... Qb6 – The queen hits d4 and b2.
6. Be2 – A calm and solid move. White gets ready to castle.
6... cxd4 – Black opens the c-file.
7. cxd4 – White takes back with the pawn and keeps the centre.
7... Nh6 – The knight heads for f5 to attack d4.
8. Bxh6 – White takes the knight before it reaches f5. Black's kingside pawns get broken.
8... gxh6 – Black takes back. Black has the bishop pair but doubled pawns on the h-file.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
More in The Advance against the French and Caro-Kann
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