Stunning Your Opponent in the Advanced French Defense 😲 FM Alisa Melekhina (Chess Openings)

Need more chess openings for White that hold up against the French Defense? GM Jesse Kraai has some useful weapons that can be deployed to outsmart your opponent. Get instant access with 35% off. ►ichs.co/2yXuMz7
Are you looking for a solid chess opening for White when facing off against the popular French Defense? In this video, FIDE Master Alisa Melekhina specifically explores the Advanced variation of the French Defense, and the relatively unexplored gambit line where White plays 9. Nbd2. Melekhina analyses two of her own games that she played, and won, at the World Junior's Chess Championship U20s held in Poland, 2010, showing how this gambit line is a viable option for White, playing for a win.
This rare 9. Nbd2 line produces powerful positions for White, rich with tactical opportunities. Being a variation Black won't encounter regularly in the French Defense, the opportunity is there to stun your opponent. It's reminiscent of another chess opening, the c3 Sicilian, where White utilizes a double-bishop piece attack coupled with a strong pawn on e5. The main game and its accompanying exciting sample miniatures demonstrate the typical themes and ideas of the opening.
Even if you don't like playing gambit lines, this is useful information to know when facing Sicilian players. After, for example, 1. e4 c5 2. c3 e6 3. d4 d5, White can choose to play 4. e5 (instead of 4. exd5), transposing into the French Defense. Pushing a Sicilian player into the French can already give White a psychological edge over the opponent.
Why 9. Ndb2? White then has the choice to bring the knight to the b3 square, or to recapture on f3. White sacrifices a pawn in exchange for rapid development and devastating control of the c-file - excellent compensation. What's more, just a few inaccuracies from Black can fatally expose their King and give White a decisive advantage in less than 25 moves. This line serves as a good, practical alternative in open tournaments where Black is likely to be caught off-guard.
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[@cwwiss1]

Had abandoned this line for white years ago after some poor results but I always felt it had potential.Thank you.

[@pardieupopper339]

Although it's obvious you can foresee very far down the road indeed, the value of this video for me is seeing how the game can be segmented into sets of 3 or 4 moves. A player at my low level can manage 3 or 4 moves at least sometimes, although I certainly can't work out every ramifications of every move. Thanks for a very instructive video.

[@ChesscomGames]

Don Hamilton thanks

[@jonathanbrendle3158]

Studying your play has singlehandedly boosted my game significantly; you use your pieces so well! Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@postnubilaphoebus96]

Thanks Alissa!! There was a guy doing a video on the same gambit, but he started from the Tarrasch variation. I got confused a lot but now I think your way of approaching this is better.

[@ChesscomGames]

+postnubilaphoebus96 Thanks!

[@kedduff1814]

Yes i saw that too but its easier to get your opponent to go into this variation rather from the tarrasch

[@gmcenroe]

Nice video, I am only rated 1530, but I played this against a 1750 rated player. After I played Nbd2 he retreated his knight to Nc6. I ended up contolling the c-file early on and prevented black castling. Blacks game was totally paralized and near end he had to exchange off his Q for a rook to prevent mate, and I went on to win a Q vs R with lots of pawns ending.

[@rare_grooves_shack_1983]

EXACTLY! "gambit haters" seem to forget the value of tactics & initiative and think ONLY position and endgames win. why wait for the endgame when you can win it in the middle? ;)

[@ArieVanderBurch]

I had the opportunity to lay this variation this week with white, my opponent is an FM (2270 ELO), after 9. Nbd2 Nc6, 10. Nb3 Nh6, 11. Be3 Qc7, 12. Rc1 a5, 13. Re1 a5 (stopping b4 once and for all, but white will get other chances), 14. Nc5 Bxc5, 15 Bxc5 Qa5, 16 Re2 Nb4, 17 Bb1 Bb5, 18 Re3 Kd7 (nice), 19 Re-c3 Rf-c8, 20 Qd4 Na6 21 Bb6 Qb4 (Rxc3 loses to bxc3) I was able to invade with Rc7+ Rxc7, 23 Rxc7+ but now the best I could do after Ke8 was to exchange queens ( 24 Qxb4, Nxb4) and now

[@ArieVanderBurch]

Continued from last note: take Rxb7 and after Rc8 go back to c7 with the rook and have a slightly better endgame, instead I played 25. Nd4 Bc4 (draw offer from black) and sacrificied incorrectly with Nxe6 and went on to lose...But my feeling about the opening was very good, I felt I had an advantage at moves 12 - 21.

[@samuelyelland5417]

I am a French player, just starting out. Thanks for the content! I'd also like to see some good lines for black in the Advanced Variation. I'll definitely start checking out your content and try out some of the lines. It'd be great also to have the PGN.

[@ChesscomGames]

Thanks for the PGN idea! We will try to implement that on future videos.

[@misapap2125]

This opening line is Misa Pap attack... You can check my video here: How to Play Aggressive Chess - GM Misa Pap (French Defense - Milner-Barry Gambit) Enjoy! GM Misa Pap, developer and first GM who played this opening line in many games....

[@renanbrazparente449]

That is explained by the requirements for the title, to be a WIM you need to be rated 2200 + and make norms in some special tournaments which usualy means making a 2300+ performance, to be a FM you need to have a rating of 2300+ which implies that you've had several 2300+ performances which is much more difficult than having 2200+ and performing like a 2300+ occasionally. To be an IM you need 2400+ rating and 2500+ performances so there is 200 difference between the W title and the absolute

[@elvenbread191]

the chess content was excellent. i used to play this as white (originally played by czech IM jiri nun 20 yrs ago!?); kudos for mentioning black's best 9...Bc5 after which Black is slightly better [black can impove on Pap-Pushkov 2006 w/19...Rc8 etc or diff. earlier]. chess players tend to keep their secrets too close to heart so i appreciate your efforts to spread your knowledge in a easily comprehensible fashion.

[@ArieVanderBurch]

Well, the first time I played this line I had the better chances and at least a comfortable draw against a somewhat stronger opponent, I lost only because of a too optimistic sacrifice in the ending. I will let you know how I fare from now onwards, I think I will give it at least some more tries first.

[@SerbAtheist]

At 18:25 why doesn't black castle? Sure (s)he loses a bishop, but the position seems to be consolidated and things certainly seem much better than the carnage that followed.

[@georgefcthethird]

Thanks Alisa... I watched this video because I watched another video from Grandmaster Jesse Kraai (easy system against the French). In his short video he brought us to the initial position in your video. He said simply that although a pawn down it is an excellent game for white. I was like "wtf"? Your video game me ideas on how I could proceed from that initial setup. Thanks!

[@jeraldkahn4488]

any aggressive ideas for white after 1. e4 ...e6 2. d4 ...d5 3. e5 ...c5. 4. c3 ...Nc6 5. Nf3 ...Nh6 (moskalenko's favorite nh6 advanced french)

[@jerome68]

Thanks for the tutorial. I watched this video and played the exact variant in an official game the day after. Instead of 16...Cc6 (17:25), my opponent simply played 16...Rc8 after which I struggled to find a continuation which kept the pressure, the game ended in a draw. Yet it was much more pleasant to play as white for sure.

[@ChesscomGames]

Thanks!

[@rclio333]

iChess.net 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😧😕😠😬😅😆😡

[@Athenian888]

Yes,I agree with you on that,but this specific line is suspect ,black easily nullifies white's threats with simple defensive moves,then he emerges a whole pawn up. The main line Millner Barry is somewhat better.Even GM Misa Pap who plays this most often than most has lost quite a few games to lower rated players.Its only purpose is as a surprise weapon against a weaker player.

[@friedrich424]

Hey Alisa. The two videos that you made inspired me to play the openings that they concern in tournament play. Your instruction was absolutely world class. Thank you so much.

[@jeffreytherock440]

I'm no GM but i've done extensive study on this 1...e6 first move light square complex defense preparing for d5 no matter what. White's only best moves are 2.d4 along with 3.Nc3 inviting the Winnawer Just like Fishcer ;) not the Nbd2 Tarrasch. The french is so so solid. I gave up on 1.e4. Even e4 e6 d4 d5 Nc3/Nbd2 de4 Ne4 Nbd7! BEST can hold for black in the long run after say Nf3 Nf6 Bd3 Be7. The de4 can be played reguardless of Nc3 or Nbd2. and 2.d4 has to be expected, anything else is weaker.

[@jakedaale]

That doesn't take into account the advance variation of the French, which is the topic of this video.

[@ChesscomGames]

Hi! I think Be2 there is good because after Bb5 White can consider playing c4, this works with white's bishop on e2. If White had his bishop on d3, then Bb5 c4 dxc4 . GM Lemos

[@BasicPawn]

This was a well constructed commentary covering all the important ideas and sidelines. Thank you for a very useful and instructive video.

[@DustedinShadow]

I plan to start playing this after watching this video a few more times and finding more games to study. Thanks for posting.

[@richarddickinson3854]

Many thanks. I like playing the Advance French Milner Barry gambit so I will definitely try Nbd2 instead of Nc3 and try this variation (I also play 2.c3 B22 Alapin Sicilian & watched your other video on that. If you want more ideas for videos how about Scotch Mieses? That is a deeply complex & strange opening imho that could do with a clear explanation!). Best wishes :-)

[@BelligerentBurgers]

Good video,As a French player the Millner-Barry gambit is seen as an aggressive option in the advanced variation.I don`t have many problems as black at mid level strength (2000) with the 10...a6 variation or taking the second pawn on e5 then retreating the queen to b8. Good weapon against Sicilian players though as they probably have not seen this too much before!

[@peterchaplin4757]

The Millner-Barry Gambit is completely busted with the following line... 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4 Bd7 8. O-O Nxd4 9. Nxd4 Qxd4 10. Nc3 a6 11. Qe2 Ne7 12. Kh1 Nc6 13. f4 Nb4 14. Rd1 Bc5 !

[@kedduff1814]

This is much better than milnar barry gambit. It just looks similar but is fundamentally different.

[@Athenian888]

Arie the line that FM Melekhina suggests is at least equal for black and in practice it is very hard for white to maintain the initiative.Check out the real world results from Chessbase.

[@greenglass2]

According to Science magazine, the "vocal fry" phenomenon requires speakers to utilize the lowest of three established vocal registers (the other two are known as falsetto and modal). It sounds like a low, staccato growl much like the low tones that Brit Brit uses when she finishes the phrase "Oh baby baby" at the beginning of "Hit Me Baby, One More Time." Until recently, frequent use of this register was considered a speech impediment.

[@longevidadynutri]

This isn't exactly a relevant question but, I was wondering why you played d4 against Viktorija Ni in the last round of the 2012 U.S Women's championship? I think the commentators said something about avoiding preparation but I think that was just speculation

[@RicharTEXTEX48]

Nbd2? I think it's called Misa pap attack... good video! Here's one game of this GM with this system How to Play Aggressive Chess - GM Misa Pap (French Defense - Milner-Barry Gambit)

[@robertholden3121]

I repeat the question raised by Mexuverse San. What if the black Q on b6 takes b2? Perhaps this is obvious to Ms. Melekhina, but not to the rest of us.

[@LightPackerz]

I am very impressed with the way you explain concepts, ideas and systems. To me chess is a part time hobby because life keeps getting in the way of my fun but you just reminded me why I love this game so much. I applaud your discipline and wish you the best for your future endeavours.

[@PATSICK]

Some of the very best chess teaching I've ever encountered; including my own paid instructor many years ago. Absolutely practical and realistic; devastating tactical motifs.

[@angelodp18]

Alisa: Very instructive video. I needed something against the French and will seriously look into this. BTW, we met OTB at the LBO years ago. You played a closed Sicilian, with Ng1-e2, and crushed me on the K-side. I have never forgiven you for that as I was about 50 and you were about 12 :)

[@dustinbachstein]

Thanks for the answer! Well yes, that's what you mentioned in the video at the beginning, sorry I forgot that. Do you think one is well prepared for the French as White if one studies the 8 Nbd2 gambit line and the line with early ...Bd7-b5?

[@SuperScurly]

Great follow-up to the 1st video i think. I am sure that development (of black's pieces) is the key to form this white's strategy. Very good. I have fide rating also btw, so i can understand a few concepts. Thanks Alisa

[@eraoul]

Thanks! Another interesting and useful video -- much appreciated! I felt like the pace increased a little bit too much for me towards the end of the 2nd game, but that's really minor. Keep the videos coming!

[@michaelbauers8800]

For some reason, I had more trouble following the analysis in this game than in the Scicilian c3 video. Not necessarily a knock on the video, but I preferred the first video's speed of presentation. I am sure better players have no problems following though :)

[@mikewilliams7745]

Thank you Alisa. Excellent!! Very clear and concise!!! How about some KIA videos I am working on that vs. the French, Sicilian and Caro-kan. Also do u have any of these lines with Nd2 vs the Caro-kan?

[@TheTroy8]

Incredible video! I'm thinking of switching back to 1.e4 after some bittersweet times with the English and I would absolutely use this line.

[@blunite6759]

Very principled continuation, very good video.

[@jeffreytherock440]

Sorry I meant 4.....cd4 5.Qd4? or 5.Nd4 but you see my point of the 4.Nf3?! move over the 4.c3 move. Black just develops and though the e5 pawn gives white more space, by locking the pawns, the initiative white once had is irrelevant because the position is a closed position and moves like a Ne7 preparing for Nc6 is not negative to black. the e5 adv is just wrong period. And still though even the 4.c3 move is slow, same as in a smith-morra gambit .1e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3? These c3 moves are slow!

[@dustinbachstein]

Very nice and informing video on the Advance variation, thanks! Are there any major possibilities for Black to avoid this gambit variation after 1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 e5 c5 4 c3?

[@Athenian888]

Miss Alisa,thanks for an entertaining analysis.I have a serious question on the game.On move 16 you say you threaten to double rooks on the C file which would be devastating,then black played 16. ...Nc6.However it seems to me that after 16. ...Rc8! black not only equalizes easily but will get clearly better especially in the endgame.Your opinion would be appreciated. :)

[@ChesscomGames]

Will be back making videos soon!

[@norsage]

Really good video instruction, thanks!. I may need to switch back to E4 openings.Well done.

[@789armstrong]

this Nbd2 Advance French ihas been played by Nunn.

[@jeraldkahn4488]

can you do a video on the berlin defense and knight h6 advanced french

[@bigcaptainschannel]

Enjoyed your Video. Very good. You are a natural at teaching Chess. Please make more Chess videos

[@riojimatsuoka]

In the c3 Sicilian it's very easy for black to equalize if he/she knows the lines. C3 can be handy if you want to surprise someone but overall I don't recommend it if you want to get an advantage as white. Here in the French after Bd3 (or even before) in this line→Bishop B5 and black can get rid of his bad bishop. That's why he played Bd7 first and LATER Nc6 and black has an easy game. After Bd3, black can also play c4 and fight for the B3 square. Even though black is behind in development, he should have an easy game. Although I respect you as an FM, I don't think you really understand the French.

[@ChesscomGames]

Yes, ...,Bb5 is one of the posibilities for black getting rid of the light squares bishop

[@XxxcloackndaggerxxX]

I loved it but again had to eat something while watching, so I went to get a packet of snakes. no artificial colours or flavours my favourite confectionary. I opened the packet then the snakes went everywhere, I had them all over me,, but I continued to watch. Brilliant once again, loved every minute. What is your best play for Black? Hope to see a game with you playing Black!

[@RaphsSilva]

Great Vídeo,I'm learning a lot!Thanks from Brazil.

[@2q1cchess4]

Erm Qb8 in the milner barry gambit is blacks best move. Not really "panicking"

[@wa1ufo]

Excellent teacher and beautiful too!

[@hiphopesq]

Thank you for the video. At 10:14, why not ...Qxb2? Later on in the video, black avoids taking on b2, but I believe it is for fear of the Rookie entering the 7th rank.

[@Arjun1opleaze]

Is there a video on the grand prix attack in Sicilian?

[@ChesscomGames]

Thanks!

[@Mainswitch55]

Nice line, good explained, kind regards!

[@mssmaths]

Very nice Alisa. Please make more vids. Cheers.

[@hernan22rosario]

Which is the best line for black against this gambit?

[@e4e5nc3]

Did you get this idea from the "MacCutcheon, Janowski variation" You give up a pawn for more freedom?

[@juliedean8305]

Nice opening attack.I love to play attacking moves.

[@algol291]

3:00 if your game starts out like this, expect the game to last over 30-40 moves... tedious movements, slow pace, no one wants to exchange.

[@ChesscomGames]

+algol291 In general, this line takes to strategical positions, but not always tedious...

[@ArieVanderBurch]

I don't agree, data bases contain games of players of all kinds of strengths, besides it pays off to play a variation you know better than your opponent. I Play many varariations that don't score very well in data bases but I have a good score anyway.

[@Badbentham]

This whole line looks like: Dubious,but with interesting chances. But, of course not the worst choice if you like gambit-gamble mode.

[@ReachingHigher001]

Fascinating video. I think I might try this against the French someday. Thank you, Alisa.

[@stevesebzda570]

Gosh, can you see far! I saw the mate only just before you said it, then you finished. I had a harder time following this time. Still oriented on blk side, from a day ago. I told myself, I may have to view from blk. It sunk in. I'll have to review in future. Jam packed!

[@slaphead99uk]

excellent, thank you- I love gambits like this (challenging for anyone below GM :)). This way, I can usually out-play all my colleagues. Also love the way you say ` opponent. ;)

[@ChesscomGames]

this is a good idea. we will look into setting up a rumble soon

[@kassibaer1882]

is Nd4 forced? what happens if black not take on d4?

[@big_dreamsyt3082]

You asked for suggestions about additional videos. No video set is complete with out adding trapping lines. You are such a cutie but I am sure you've heard that before. Looking forward to your next set of videos. (Subscribed).

[@Athenian888]

All right Arie,thanks for your views. and good luck with your chess :)

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

What's her rating now?

[@peterchaplin4757]

I have a problem when black plays this line .... bc5 b4 nxf3+ nxf3 qxb4 rb1 qa4 help please!

[@locutusdborg126]

What does FM mean? Former Master? Female Master (that would be Mistress, right)?

[@ChesscomGames]

Fide Master

[@toddtrimble2555]

Right, FIDE = Fédération internationale des échecs, the governing body for international chess competition.

[@locutusdborg126]

Todd Trimble Thanks. So it is FM, IM, GM in ascending order of points?

[@toddtrimble2555]

+Locutus D'Borg That is pretty much correct; a more fiddly/precise description is here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDE_titles#FIDE_Master_.28FM.29, which explains that FM is typically awarded to those with an Elo rating > 2300, IM to those rated > 2400, and GM to those rated > 2500.

[@locutusdborg126]

Todd Trimble Thanks, Todd. I am designating myself an XM, a player so erratic and aggressive my play can't be quantified. I tried to sacrifice my King once to win a game; my opponent almost had a stroke.

[@SteelPokemonFan]

Probably a better idea than you might think. If you play positionally then you'll get crushed. If you're playing someone stronger than you then you want to complicate things so that they might miss something.

[@rzxwm10]

What does system-base and theory-based mean?

[@ross.metcalf]

Thanks for the video. At 5:13, why not Bishop e3 instead of Knight d2, what am I missing here?

[@ChesscomGames]

+Ross Metcalf After Be3? black can play Nxf3+ Qxf3 and Qxb2

[@vahehatemi7996]

thank you for the video, is there a way you can speak a bit more clear and louder please? otherwise very helpful video.

[@ChesscomGames]

yes

[@teknifix]

Perhaps a video featuring a game where you play as black? I personally like to play as black moreso than white.

[@Neueregel]

Great vid, well done Alisa!

[@manongdodong1]

Not that I'm looking at the board most of time but how about elevating your camera at face level so we don't have to look at your neck or chin more?

[@mikejohn1978]

FM stands for Fide Master

[@Querent2000]

Good video, but you need to turn up the volume.

[@Itachihun14]

10:02 Qxb2 draw? because Rb1 Qxa2 Ra1 Qb2 Rb2

[@CDolph296]

Computer suggests Rb1 Qxa2 Nd4 with slight advantage to white. This is an engine analysis, so it isn't totally accurate, but seems like a fun gambit line.

[@longevidadynutri]

Maybe we shou start calling it the melekhina variation?

[@PinnedKnight]

thx for the vid

[@jackstone9420]

realy its the name f.defence and kot of v. the

[@timyleizah3243]

perfect

[@AhPhoey]

Just think, in a couple of years when Alisa finishes law school, she can represent most of subscribers in their court troubles, too.

[@freetibet238]

well done, try to do something with your microphone, it sounds weird sometimes, but nevertheless well done

[@willy1955238]

very nice...thanks

[@TheOneBlackSheep1973]

Thats a right Lame to Fame , you truly are king of the anecdotes .

[@srcnbdl]

FM is Fide Master If you don't know the meaning of Fide search it on internet :)

[@Zamppa86]

One of my opponents always plays French against me and I think I will introduce this gambit line to him next time he tries French on me...We shall see how it goes :D

[@ChesscomGames]

+Zamppa86 Ok, good luck!

[@ilovegodmorethanever]

where has Will been? I miss his videos and his commentary T_T

[@austingoyne3039]

...So what does Black do? Quite a lot of favorable lines for White, it seems.

[@ChesscomGames]

hard to deal with White's space advantage :) !

[@PriveGitaarles]

great stuff

[@algol291]

Love how the video starts with "STUNNING". She looks attractive and plays chess well (she claims, no reason to doubt). I'm amazed.

[@jeffreytherock440]

I disagree. I think ADV french is worse one for white. Fischer never played 3.e5? It's against principles of chess. It moves a pawn twice, makes blacks job of equalizing much easier with c5 a countering move immediately then white has only Nf3 or c3, on Nf3 we take immediately forcing Qd5? or Nd5, if Qd2? Nc6! gaining tempo, if Nd5 then Ne7 preparing for Nc6 no matter what white does unless he forces our hand differently. Now if c3 which is best then of course Nc6 and Qb6 to follow.

[@Electronite1978]

This variation resembled a lot of some lines raising from Tarrash