In the French and Caro-Kann Black challenges e4 with ...d5. After White's e5 advance the pawn chains lock, and Black attacks the chain with ...c5 and ...f6.
Key principles
- Attack the base of the chain (d4) with ...c5
- Follow up with ...Nc6 and ...Qb6 against d4
- ...f6 hits the head of the chain later
Common mistakes
- Locking the light-squared bishop in for good
- Playing ...f6 before the queenside pressure is set