The central idea
The Advance Variation fixes the center with 3.e5 and gives both sides a clear direction: White gains space, while Black attacks the pawn chain at its base and prepares active breaks.
Typical plans
- For White, support the chain and prepare a useful c4 or f4 break.
- For Black, pressure d4 with ...c5 and develop toward the center.
- Read the pawn chain before choosing a wing attack.
Common mistakes
- Attacking the wrong end of the pawn chain.
- Closing the center without a plan for the resulting piece routes.
- Starting a wing attack while the central break is unresolved.