Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. c4
| French Defense: Steiner Variation | |
|---|---|
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a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h | |
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) | |
| Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. c4 | |
French Defense: Steiner Variation
[edit | edit source]The Steiner Variation is a counterattacking option against the French. It most often results in a trade of two pawns after 2...d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3, where black is behind in development but has a stronger pawn structure. Another more infamous line is the Orthoschnapp Gambit after 2...d5 3. cxd5 exd5 4. Qb3!?, with the idea of Bc4, Nc3, and possibly sacrificing a pawn on d3.