ECO code: C11
French Defense: Steinitz Variation, 5.Nf3 c5
The Steinitz Variation of the French Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Nf3 c5. Here, Black challenges White's strong pawn center immediately with ...c5, aiming to undermine White's d4 pawn and create counterplay on the queenside.
Characteristic of the move 5...c5: This move is a typical thematic break in the French Defense, striking at the center from the flank. It helps Black to activate their pieces and contest White's space advantage. By playing ...c5, Black also prepares to develop the light-squared bishop actively and can increase pressure on White's center.
Attacking or defensive: For Black, ...c5 is an attacking move, actively challenging White's center and seeking counterplay. For White, the position remains largely focused on maintaining and expanding central control, so White's approach is more positional and controlling rather than outright attacking at this stage.
Center control: This opening phase strongly involves the battle for the center. White has a space advantage with pawns on e5 and d4, while Black's ...c5 strike aims to challenge and potentially dismantle White's central presence. Both sides are actively contesting the center.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the French: Steinitz, 5.Nf3 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 14 - Move #8 black