FENrnbqkbnr/pp3ppp/4p3/2ppP3/3P4/2P5/PP3PPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq -
French Defense: Advance Variation: what to play after c3?
Best move
Nc6+0.24
By playing Nc6, you immediately challenge the center and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This is the most natural way to develop, forcing White to decide how they will defend their…
- Games played
- 8.17M
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.24
- Depth
- 25
Why Nc6 is the best move
Nc6! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Nc6, you immediately challenge the center and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This is the most natural way to develop, forcing White to decide how they will defend their central structure.
Multiple Valid Strategies
In this French Defense Advance Variation, you actually had three paths to equality. All are objectively strong:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Bd7 | +0.15 | Positional: Prepares to bring the "bad" bishop to b5 or c6. |
| Nc6 | +0.24 | Classical: Direct development and immediate pressure on d4. |
| Qb6 | +0.24 | Aggressive: Forces White to address the double attack on d4 and b2. |
Different paths, same destination: While Bd7 is the engine's favorite for its long-term flexibility, your choice of Nc6 is the most popular human response. It keeps the position tense and forces White to find accurate defensive moves like Nf3.
Your Continuation
After Nc6:
Nf3 Qb6 Bd3 cxd4
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the pressure on the d4 square is the "soul" of this opening. By developing the c6, you prepare to pile on with Qb6, making it very difficult for White to maintain their central space advantage without making concessions.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style! Whether you prefer the solid development of the knight or the prophylactic bishop move, both lead to a great game.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 8.17M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nc6Engine pick | +0.24 | 0 | 48% | |
| Bd7 | +0.15 | 0 | 47% | |
| Qb6 | +0.24 | 0 | 47% | |
| Ne7 | +0.37 | 0 | 49% | |
| Qc7 | +0.41 | 0 | 0% |
The line
More positions in the French Defense
All French Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the French Defense: Advance Variation?
Nc6 (+0.24). By playing Nc6, you immediately challenge the center and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This is the most natural way to develop, forcing White to decide how they will defend their…
Why is Nc6 the best move here?
By playing Nc6, you immediately challenge the center and put pressure on the d4 pawn. This is the most natural way to develop, forcing White to decide how they will defend their central structure.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 8.17M times in the opening book.