By playing e5, the player enters the French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation, Advance Variation, a system within the French Defense complex. Instead of the usual exd5, the player opts for e5. It succeeds by maintaining a solid objective evaluation while changing the character of the game. This move exerts pressure on d4 and f4. Note that engines consider this speculative, often preferring safer alternatives.
From here, play often proceeds with h6, leading into the French. Data analysis shows a 45% win rate for White, indicating White advantage.
Also known as: French: MacCutcheon, Advance Variation, French Defense: MacCutcheon, Advance Variation, French: MacCutcheon, advance variation
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