1.e4 — the open games
French Defence, Steinitz Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4ECO C11
A big-centre approach to the French: White plays 4.e5 and props it up with 5.f4, building a broad, space-gaining pawn front and playing for a kingside initiative. Black counterattacks the base of the chain with …c5 and …f6 — a classic space-versus-counterplay struggle.
Key ideas
- The e5/d4/f4 pawns clamp Black's kingside; White develops with Nf3, Be2 and O-O aiming at the king.
- Black hits the chain at the base with …c5 (and later …f6), and pressures d4 with …Nc6 and …Qb6.
- It's a principled fight — White's centre and space against Black's break-and-undermine plan.
Who it suits
1.e4 players who like a space-grabbing, attacking way to meet the French.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the French Defence, Steinitz Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer