King’s Knight Variation

Definition

The King’s Knight Variation is an early-move system against the French Defence that begins with the sequence 1. e4 e6 2. Nf3. White postpones the typical advance d2–d4 in favour of rapid development of the king’s knight. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) it is catalogued as C00.

Typical Move Order

The most common continuations after 1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 are:

2…d5 – the classical French reply
3. e5 c5 or 3. Nc3 (transposing to the Two Knights Variation)
2…c5 – an attempt to enter Sicilian-like terrain via transposition
2…b6 / 2…Nf6 – rare sidelines that try to avoid well-trodden paths

Strategic Ideas

Flexibility: By delaying d2–d4, White keeps Black guessing. Depending on Black’s setup, White may choose between a pawn advance with e4–e5, a later d2–d4, or even a King’s Indian Attack structure with g3, Bg2.
Piece Activity: The knight on f3 pressures the key central squares d4 and e5 immediately and facilitates quick kingside castling.
Avoiding Theory: Players who dislike the massive theory of the Classical French (3.Nc3) or the Advance (3.e5) employ 2.Nf3 to sidestep mainline preparation.
Potential Transpositions: After 2…d5 3.Nc3, the game often transposes to the Two Knights French (1.e4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3). If White plays 3.e5 instead, the resulting pawn structure resembles the Advance French but with the extra tempo Nf3 already developed.

Historical & Practical Significance

Though never a mainline choice at elite level, the King’s Knight Variation has periodically served as a surprise weapon. Former World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik and attacking legend David Bronstein tried it in the 1950s, and more recently Vladimir Kramnik and Leinier Domínguez have used it to dodge deeply analysed French theory.

Illustrative Game

Bronstein – Lilienthal, USSR Championship 1950

This sharp encounter shows how 3.e5 can generate a powerful spatial advantage and kingside initiative once Black commits to …c5.

Common Tactical Motifs

e4–e5 break: After …d5, the thrust e4–e5 can gain space and chase the knight on f6, especially potent when supported by d2–d4.
b2–b4 sacrifice: In Advance-type positions, White may sacrifice the b-pawn with b2–b4 (as in Bronstein–Lilienthal) to open the a1–h8 diagonal for the bishop.
Central counter-blow …c5: Black’s thematic reaction to undermining White’s pawn centre often yields dynamic play; White must be ready to meet it tactically.

Sample “Starter” Repertoire Line

If you wish to add the variation to your repertoire, a straightforward plan is:

1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4! cxb4 5.d4 (Bronstein Gambit style)
Castle kingside quickly, place the dark-squared bishop on d3, and generate play on the kingside with moves like Ng5, h4–h5, and Qh5.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

The move 2.Nf3 actually appeared in the first official World Championship match (Steinitz–Zukertort, 1886). Steinitz used it as a one-off surprise in Game 19 and won.
Some databases list over 7,000 master games with 2.Nf3—enough to study typical structures, yet not so many that opponents will be “booked up.”
Grandmaster Alexander Motylev once quipped that the line is “the French player’s dental appointment—always uncomfortable, but occasionally painful.”

King’s Knight Variation