Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. c4
French Defense: Steiner Variation | |
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) | |
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. c4 |
French Defense: Steiner Variation
editThe 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.