user23699: I was watching Lichess TV the other day and I saw a game between two IMs go something like this:
[FEN ""]

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Nc6 4.Nf3 f5 5.Bd3 Nh6 6.O-O Nf7

The computer evaluates this as something like +1.5 for White so it's technically unsound, but I think it still seems interesting. If White isn't careful it seems like Black can go for a kingside pawn storm and put White under lots of pressure, and the plans are completely different from the regular Advance French. Does this have any potential as a playable opening in shorter time controls?

user27187: well, having seen f5 in my game, I would probably reply with h4 and then bring a knight from b1 to f4 and a rook to g3 (if necessary). I remember something like this being discussed in one of the Dvoretsky's books as a response to early f5. I don't think black has any potential of developing a king side play after that.
Of course, in short time control everything is playable, especially if white is expected to premove Bd3 and 0-0

23699: <p>I was watching Lichess TV the other day and I saw a game between two IMs go something like this:</p>
<pre><code>[FEN &quot;&quot;]

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Nc6 4.Nf3 f5 5.Bd3 Nh6 6.O-O Nf7
</code></pre>
<p>The computer evaluates this as something like +1.5 for White so it's technically unsound, but I think it still seems interesting. If White isn't careful it seems like Black can go for a kingside pawn storm and put White under lots of pressure, and the plans are completely different from the regular Advance French. Does this have any potential as a playable opening in shorter time controls?</p>
 27187: <p>well, having seen f5 in my game, I would probably reply with h4 and then bring a knight from b1 to f4 and a rook to g3 (if necessary). I remember something like this being discussed in one of the Dvoretsky's books as a response to early f5. I don't think black has any potential of developing a king side play after that.
Of course, in short time control everything is playable, especially if white is expected to premove Bd3 and 0-0</p>
