GM VILLAMAYOR

The nth training session w/ GM Villamayor, who is currently annotating Filipino boy wonder GM Wesley So in Corus Group B for chessdom.com, centered on the construction of Rhal's opening repertoire - the FRENCH DEFENSE, specifically against it and Rhal chose the EXCHANGE VARIATION with c4 line.

White Black
1.e4 e6
2.d4 d5
3.exd5 is the Exchange Variation.
GM Bong, "This is a practical choice as it avoids the complications of the more popular variations such as Advanced, Winnawer and Classical which needs a lot of studies and is not yet suited for Rhal's level."

3.... exd5

4.c4 is the line chosen by Rhal.
GM Bong, "This is another aggressive sideline in this position. White aims to create tension in the center and make open lines for his pieces."

4.... Nf6 is Black's normal response.

5.Nc3 Be7 or Bb4
6.Nf3
GM Bong, "Develop the N's first and f3 and c3 for White are the best squares for them while the B's place depends on how Black will develop."

6.... O-O
7.Bd3
GM Bong, "White's priority is to develop his K-side pieces to prepare immediate castling."

7.... c6
8.Bg5 Bg4
9.Rfe1
GM Bong, "At this point, White has free development and should complete his development based on Black's plan."

And by checking up the chess game database, the c4 line has been played by the legendary Rubinstein, Marshall, Tartakower, and Tarrasch.