Lesson
White to move. Main line: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 cxd4 7. cxd4 Bd7
With 3.e5 White claims kingside space and fixes a pawn chain from d4 to e5. Black immediately attacks its base with ...c5, because striking d4 is more effective than pushing pieces against the well-supported head on e5.
The move ...Qb6 adds pressure to d4 and b2, forcing White to develop with awareness of both targets. After the central exchange, Bd7 completes development without committing the king and prepares ...Rc8 or ...Nh6–f5.
Pawn-chain strategy gives both players a map. White often attacks on the kingside and supports the center with c3; Black seeks queenside play and a second break with ...f6. The side that lands its pawn break under better conditions usually controls the middlegame.