Tree path 6 levels French Defense › Normal Variation › French Defense › Paulsen Variation › French Defense: Steinitz Variation › French Defense: Steinitz Variation
C11

French Defense: Steinitz Variation 5…Nfd7 6. a3

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Overview

French Defense: Steinitz Variation (ECO C11) is a variation of French Defense: Steinitz Variation, reached after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 6. a3 — 6 moves.

In 9,417 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 41.7%, Black 53.6% and 4.7% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 6…c5, in 89% of those games.

ECO code
C11
Group
Open Games (C)
Length
6 moves
Parent
French Defense: Steinitz Variation

Generated from the data: the Lichess opening list and opening explorer. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

9,417 games · White 41.7% / Draw 4.7% / Black 53.6%

MovesGamesW / D / B
c58,342
Be7395
h6219
b5219
Nc690
Nb637
g630
b630

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:27:10

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