This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
French Defense: Steinitz Variation
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3. It is a sharp line within the French Defense where White aggressively advances the e- and f-pawns to gain space and cramp Black’s position.
Characteristic of the move 6. Nf3: White develops a knight to support the center and kingside while preparing to castle. It also reinforces control over the key central squares d4 and e5, helping maintain White’s strong pawn chain.
From White’s perspective, this setup is primarily attacking, aiming to build a strong pawn center and launch a kingside initiative. Black, on the other hand, plays somewhat defensively but looks to counterattack the center with moves like ...c5 and ...Nc6.
The opening is very much focused on controlling and attacking the center. White’s advanced pawns on e5 and f4 put pressure on Black’s central and kingside squares, while Black challenges the center with pawn breaks and piece pressure.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Steinitz Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.