French Defense Advance Steinitz Variation
French Defense – Advance Steinitz Variation
Definition
The French Defense Advance Steinitz Variation is a branch of the French Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Be2. It combines the Advance Variation (3.e5) with the move 6.Be2, an idea first explored by the first official World Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz. In ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) codes it is usually catalogued under C16.
How It Is Used in Play
The Steinitz set-up aims for solid development and long-term space on the kingside while keeping the center intact. White defends the advanced e5-pawn with pieces rather than committing the kingside pawn structure too early (as happens after 6.a3). Black, for their part, has already placed the queen on b6 to pressure d4 and may seek queenside counterplay with …cxd4, …Bd7, …Rc8 and pawn storms beginning with …cxd4 or …f6.
Strategic Themes
- Fixed pawn chain: The e5–d4 chain grants White space, but also delineates the battlegrounds: White focuses on the kingside and center, Black on the queenside and the base of the chain at d4.
- Piece play over pawn play: By playing 6.Be2 instead of 6.a3, White keeps the a-pawn in place. This allows quicker castling, flexibility for c3–c4 at a later moment, and avoids the weakening of b3.
- Black’s countermeasures: Typical plans include …Nh6–f5, …Bd7 and …Rc8, or immediate central breaks with …f6. The queen on b6 can be both a strength (pressure) and a target (tempo gains after Nb3 or dxc5 followed by Be3).
- Light-square strategy: Because the advance e5 pawn blunts Black’s light-squared bishop on c8, the struggle often rotates around which side can improve or trade that bishop on favorable terms.
Historical Notes
• Wilhelm Steinitz (1836-1900) advocated 6.Be2 as early as the late 19th century, preferring piece activity over the then-fashionable pawn pushes.
• The line was later refined by French masters such as André Muffang and gained modern followers in the 1980s and 1990s, including
Evgeny Bareev and Viktor Kortchnoi as occasional practitioners with White.
• Even though 6.a3 and 6.h4 are trendier in modern engine practice, the Steinitz Variation enjoys a reputation as an excellent surprise weapon that steers the game into less-explored channels.
Typical Move Order and Ideas
The core tabiya arises after:
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Be2 !
- 6…cxd4 7.cxd4 Nge7 – Black releases central tension, keeping the queen on b6. White usually replies 8.Nc3 followed by 9.0-0.
- 6…Nh6 7.0-0 Nf5 – Direct pressure on d4 and e3 squares. White continues 8.dxc5 or 8.g4 to chase the knight.
- 6…Bd7 7.0-0 Rc8 – A slow buildup for …cxd4 and …Na5. White may prepare c3-c4 or Be3 aiming at Black’s queen.
Illustrative Example
Below is a short PGN fragment showing one of the main positional ideas—returning the d-pawn to gain time against the queen:
White’s 15th-century-style idea Be3 attacks the queen, forcing it off the b-file and giving White time to prepare Nc3 and Rc1 with a comfortable game.
Notable Games
- Steinitz – Chigorin, Havana 1889 – Although opening nomenclature was looser then, Steinitz employed an early Be2 idea to outmaneuver his great rival in a model kingside attack.
- Bareev – Dvoirys, Moscow 1990 – A modern handling where White sacrificed a pawn with dxc5 followed by Be3 and b4, showing the dynamic potential of the line.
- Kortchnoi – Timman, Wijk aan Zee 1991 – The veteran “Viktor the Terrible” used the Steinitz set-up to neutralize Timman’s preparation and reach a favorable endgame.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Steinitz’s original notes praised 6.Be2 for its “temperate” character—a nod to his strategic doctrine that calm reinforcement of strong points is often more potent than an immediate thrust.
- Computer engines originally assessed the line as slightly better for Black, but modern neural-network engines (e.g., Leela, Stockfish 16) now give White a small pull, valuing the solidity of Be2 and early castling.
- Because 6.Be2 avoids a3, the move …Nge7–f5 can be met by g2-g4, a pawn storm that made spectators gasp when Bareev first unleashed it in the early 1990s.
Practical Tips
- For White: Do not fear exchanging on c5 or d4—returning a pawn is often the fastest way to liberate your position. Keep an eye on the light-squared bishop; trading it badly can leave dark-square weaknesses.
- For Black: Time your breaks. The queen can become loose on b6; be prepared to retreat to c7 or d8 when necessary. If you achieve …f6 under good circumstances, the entire white center can unravel.