C11

French Defense: Classical Variation, Steinitz Variation

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5

The French Defense: Classical Variation, Steinitz Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code C11. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5.

It belongs to the French Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

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