French Defense, Classical: Steinitz Variation (for Black)

The pawn structure that arises from that game is characteristic of the variation, with the endgame typically favoring White (which is not the case in majority of the French defense variations). White often secures a strong knight outpost on d4, while the d3-pawn remains behind and defends c4 and e4 squares. Black, on the other side, is kept with their bad light-square bishop, and can't do a lot to improve it. The endgame should be well-known in order to understand one of the main ideas for White, and try to avoid getting into it as Black.
The primary strategy for Black in the Steinitz variation of the French involves exchanging the light-square bishop by maneuvering it to a6 (previously advancing a6, b5, b4 and a5), with a potential initiative on the queenside, thanks to the space advantage.
The queenside pawn-storm also discourages White from castling long, whereas castling kingside doesn't present as much of a threat to Black.
In certain lines, Black's d7-knight has the opportunity to occupy the e4 outpost, often via c5. This scenario arises when White chooses to exchange their d3-bishop for Black's bishop on a6, rather than waiting for Black to initiate the trade on d3.
Lastly, there is the possibility for Black to advance g7-g5, an unusual, but at the highest levels not that rarely seen idea - to deflect the only supporter of the central e5-pawn (the f4-pawn).
You'll notice that I'm not delving deeply into specific opening lines. This is because I don't consider it valuable, particularly for players with a rating below 2200 FIDE. The ideas presented here, while basic, should suffice for building your experience without risking being caught in the opening phase, as they provide a clear direction of thought. Further study may not be necessary unless you're preparing to face master-level opponents.
Questions to answer:
- What is the Steinitz Variation in the French Defense?
- How does Black should respond to the Steinitz Variation of the French?
- What are the main strategic ideas for Black?
- What are the key pawn structures to understand in the Steinitz French?
- What are some common tactical motifs in the Steinitz variation of the French, for both sides?
- How does the Steinitz differ from other variations of the French defence?
- What are some typical plans for White and Black?
- What are the main lines and variations to study in the Steinitz?
- How can I effectively play as Black in the Steinitz French against different White setups?
Wilhelm Steinitz - Alexander Sellman
Baltimore 1885.
(French defense, Classical: Steinitz variation)
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.Nf3 a6 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Qe2 Nb4 10.Bd2 b5 11.Nd1 Nxd3+ 12.cxd3 Qb6 13.b4 Be7 14.a3 f5 15.Rc1 Bb7 16.Be3 Qd8 17.Nd4 Nf8 18.O-O h5 19.Nc3 Kf7 20.Nb1 g6 21.Nd2 Nd7 22.N2b3 Rc8 23.Na5 Ba8 24.Rxc8 Qxc8 25.Rc1 Qb8 26.Qc2 Bd8 27.Nac6 Qb7 28.Nxd8+ Rxd8 29.Qc7 Qb8 30.Bf2 Qb6 31.Nf3 Qxc7 32.Rxc7 Ke8 33.Ng5 Nf8 34.Bc5 Nd7 35.Bd6 1-0
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[@Geelse_zot]

Great video and the Black strategy complements your channel name! I was analysing this Steinitz game with the engine. When Black played 30. ...Qb6 , Steinitz could have played 31.Bh4 anyway!! Because after 31. ...Qxd4 32.Kh1 Qxf4 33.Bxd8 Black is losing even more material because of the mate threat after Bf6. Some crazy computerline that Steinitz missed :)

[@BadBishopChess]

Amazing! Thanks! Although the way he played is fully positional, almost like he wanted to teach his opponent a lesson on how to constrict enemy pieces and make the most of your own.

[@MantraSchultz]

Love this video! I"m a French Defence player and your guidance has improved my openings

[@prakashr23]

Its nice idea to exchange our weak light square bishop for their strong. Good one Sir. Thank you.

[@MetalLobo86]

Great video ! Thanks

[@salvadorbkn8887]

I play this in tournament games, most of the times my opponents don't know much about this line, now they'll do. It's crazy how many people castle right into the greek gift after Bd3, even in classical.

[@kesetokaiba]

Nice video as usual. Clearly explained endgame black should try to avoid. :)

[@BadBishopChess]

Thank you! :)

[@lukp7882]

Will there be a video on the French Defense: Classical, Steinitz, Boleslavsky Variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 and now Be7 or Rb8? And what if 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 a6 8. Ne2!?... And by the way, great video!

[@BadBishopChess]

Thanks! Will do those as well, at some point 🙂

[@ilyaost5476]

Amazing video 👏 Thanks a lot!

[@BadBishopChess]

Thank you for your comment! Means a lot!

[@alieskandari633]

new and interesting ideas. Thank you