1.e4 — the open games
French Defence, Burn Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4ECO C11
Black meets 4.Bg5 by resolving the centre with 4…dxe4, sidestepping the sharpest Classical lines for a solid, well-tested structure. After 5.Nxe4 Black develops naturally and often trades into a comfortable game — a reliable, low-maintenance way to handle the French main lines.
Key ideas
- 4…dxe4 clears the central tension; after 5.Nxe4 Black plays …Be7, …Nbd7 and …O-O with a sound structure.
- The …Be7/…Nxe4 or …h6 ideas ease the pressure of the Bg5 pin.
- It's solid and less theory-heavy than the MacCutcheon or Classical …Be7 main lines.
Who it suits
French players who want a solid, reliable answer to 4.Bg5 without deep theory.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the French Defence, Burn Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer