French: 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 - Two-Knights Attack
French Defense: 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 is a sideline of the French Defense in which White immediately closes the center with the pawn advance to e5. It is variously catalogued as the “Two-Knights Variation,” “Steinitz Attack,” or simply French 2.Nf3. By avoiding the mainstream 2.d4, White sidesteps much of the heavily analyzed theory of the French while retaining chances for a spatial bind and long-term kingside play.
Typical Move Order
The most common continuation begins:
- e4 e6
- Nf3 d5
- e5 c5 (or …d4)
- b4!? (Wing Gambit) or 4.d4, 4.c3, 4.g3, each leading to distinct structures.
Because the center is locked, the game often resembles a French Advanced (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) but with White’s knight already on f3 and no white pawn on d4—facts that significantly influence both sides’ plans.
Strategic Themes
- Space and Flexibility for White – The e5 pawn cramps Black’s natural …Nf6 and …c5 breaks; meanwhile, White may choose between a later d4 thrust, a kingside pawn storm (g4-h4-g5), or queenside expansion with b4.
- Counterplay for Black – Black can:
- Strike at the base of the pawn chain with …c5 and …Nc6, echoing the typical French counterattacks.
- Play …d4 early, seizing space and forcing White’s knight to an awkward square.
- Develop the queen’s bishop outside the pawn chain via …b6 and …Ba6, exploiting the absence of a white pawn on d4.
- Piece Placement – Because c3 or d4 has not yet been played, White’s light-squared bishop may emerge on b5, a6, or c4, leading to positions unrecognizable from mainline French theory.
Historical Context
Wilhelm Steinitz introduced early Nf3 and e5 ideas in the late 19th
century, aiming to demonstrate that the initiative is worth a pawn.
Later, David Bronstein and Alexey Suetin revived the line for surprise
value against well-prepared French experts. In modern times, creative
grandmasters such as Baadur Jobava and Daniil Dubov have used the system
in rapid and blitz events to sidestep theory overload.
Illustrative Game
Bronstein – Geller, Moscow Training Match 1968.
Key moment: After 4.b4!?, White sacrifices a pawn to accelerate
development and keep the center closed, illustrating the line’s fighting
spirit.
Practical Usage
- When to Choose It: Ideal for players who enjoy French Advanced structures but wish to avoid massive theory after 2.d4.
- Time Controls: Particularly effective in rapid/blitz, where the surprise element is magnified.
- Typical Plans for White:
- Queenside pawn storm with b4-a4-b5.
- Kingside expansion: g3, h4, Kg2, Rh1, and h5.
- Delayed central break with d4 once the pieces are better placed.
- Typical Plans for Black:
- Immediate …d4 to gain space and drive the f3-knight to e2.
- Undermining with …c5 and …Nc6, mirroring standard French play.
- Fianchetto of the dark-squared bishop via …b6 and …Ba6, exploiting the unlocked diagonal.
Interesting Facts
- Magnus Carlsen tried this line in online blitz to avoid revealing opening preparation in classical events.
- The early pawn on e5 means the thematic French break …f6 is often
double-edged; in Bronstein’s notebooks he calls it
the poisoned lever
. - Because no pawn stands on d4, engines occasionally suggest the startling maneuver Bc1-f4-d6! for White, targeting Black’s king directly.
Further Study
For deeper coverage, consult the chapters on the Two-Knights Variation in Suetin’s “French Defense” (1974) and recent video courses by GM Simon Williams. A database search filtered by 2.Nf3 will reveal a growing body of games at rapid time controls, reflecting the line’s modern relevance.