French Defense · C00

Orthoschnapp Gambit

1. e4 e6 2. c4 d5 3. cxd5 exd5 4. Qb3

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Steiner Variation.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 3 more moves in this line, 7 in all.