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, Boleslavsky Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3
This variation arises after Black challenges White’s strong pawn center with ...c5, while White responds by expanding on the kingside with f4 and reinforcing central control. The move 7. Be3 is characteristic for developing the bishop to support the d4 pawn and prepare for queenside castling or central pressure.
Characteristic: The Steinitz-Boleslavsky Variation is known for its solidity and flexibility. White builds a strong pawn chain from d4 to e5 to f4, aiming for spatial advantage and potential kingside attacks, while Black seeks counterplay by undermining the center with ...c5 and developing pieces actively.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this setup is primarily attacking, focusing on a kingside pawn storm and central space. Black’s play is more counterattacking, aiming to strike at White’s center and exploit any overextension.
Center Control: This opening heavily involves contesting the center. White maintains a strong pawn center with pawns on d4 and e5, while Black challenges it directly with ...c5 and piece pressure, making central control a key theme.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.