The Advance Variation is a popular and direct way of meeting the ultra-solid French Defence. Very early on in the game White opts to fix the pawn structure and establishes a genuine space advantage, upon which he later hopes to mount a serious attack. This method of playing against the French Defence has become a firm favourite amongst uncompromising Grandmasters such as Alexei Shirov, England’s Nigel Short and the rising star in Russia, Alexander Grischuk.
In this book, opening expert Sam Collins explains the strategies and tactics of this dynamic opening, studying both the main lines as well as the more offbeat variations. Through the use of model games for both White and Black, he provides a thorough grounding in the key plans and ideas, so that readers can quickly and confidently begin to use the French Advance in their own games.
- Ideal for club and tournament players
- Explains the basic elements, strategies and tactics for both sides
- Provides everything you need to know to start playing the opening straightaway
About the Author
Sam Collins is a former Irish Champion who has represented his country at various team tournaments around the world, winning the individual gold medal at the 2002 Bled Chess Olympiad. Despite his young age, he already has a wealth of writing experience, being a regular columnist for CHESS, Chess Mail and Chess Today, while he has also coached some of Ireland’s top junior players.