French Defense for White – Play the Advance Variation PGN Only Modern Chess February 1, 2026

The French Defense has experienced a dramatic renaissance. From club tournaments to elite events, 1…e6 is back—sharper, more resilient, and better prepared than ever. White’s response needs to be equally uncompromising.

GM Jose Martinez Alcantara and GM Pier Luigi Basso present the Advance Variation not as one approach among many, but as White’s most forcing, most ambitious weapon against the French. With 3.e5, White seizes massive central space, restricts Black’s position before coordination is achieved, and launches concrete attacking plans that demand precision from move one.