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.
Opening Name: French Defense: Burn Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 dxe4
Description: The Burn Variation is a line in the French Defense where Black challenges White’s center early by capturing on e4 after White pins the knight on f6 with Bg5. By playing 4...dxe4, Black immediately resolves the tension in the center, opting for a more dynamic and open position compared to other French lines. This move aims to undermine White’s central control and can lead to active piece play for Black.
Characteristic: This move is characteristic for its direct confrontation of White’s center, forcing White to decide how to recapture or maintain central presence. It also leverages the pin of the knight on f6 to delay Black’s kingside development slightly in exchange for central tension.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this variation is generally considered attacking since White tries to maintain strong central control and use the pin on the knight to build pressure. Black’s 4...dxe4 is a somewhat counter-attacking move, aiming to challenge White’s center and seize the initiative through active piece play rather than a purely defensive stance.
Center Control: The Burn Variation directly contests the center. Black’s capture on e4 challenges White’s pawn center, making control of the center a key theme in the ensuing play.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French: Burn Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used French: Burn Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.