French: Burn Variation

Before the first move

The Burn Variation of the French Defense is a sophisticated middle ground where Black releases the central tension early. By trading the d5-pawn for White's e4-pawn, Black avoids the cramped positions typical of the Advance Variation while inviting a dynamic, piece-based struggle for both sides.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and immediately opens lines for your queen and light-squared bishop to enter the game.

1... e6Black

Black replies e6, signaling the French Defense. This solid choice prepares d5 while avoiding the immediate open-center tactics of 1...e5. Other rare tries like the Barnes (f6) or Borg (g5) are much riskier.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. You now have a classic 'ideal' pawn center, controlling key squares and restricting Black's minor pieces before they even develop.

Other paths here: b4 (French Defense: Banzai-Leong Gambit) · Bb5 (French Defense: Bird Invitation) · Qe2 (French Defense: Chigorin Variation) · b3 (French Defense: Horwitz Attack)

2... d5Black

Black plays d5, the thematic follow-up to e6. This creates immediate tension in the center. While Black occasionally tries the Sicilian-like c5 or the St. George with a6, d5 is the heart of the French.

Other paths here: b5 (French Defense: Baeuerle Gambit) · f5 (French Defense: Franco-Hiva Gambit) · c5 (French Defense: Franco-Sicilian Defense) · Nf6 (French Defense: Mediterranean Defense)

3. Nc3White · your move

Bring your knight to c3. This is the most aggressive way to defend the e4-pawn, developing a piece while maintaining the central tension and preparing for sharp tactical battles.

Other paths here: Be3 (French Defense: Alapin Gambit) · c4 (French Defense: Diemer-Duhm Gambit) · Nh3 (French Defense: Morphy Gambit) · Nf3 (French Defense: Perseus Gambit)

3... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, entering the Classical lines. Other major options here include the Winawer with Bb4, pinning the knight, or the Rubinstein Variation with an immediate capture on e4 to simplify the game.

Other paths here: dxe4 (French Defense: Rubinstein Variation) · Be7 (French: 3.Nc3 Be7) · Nc6 (French Defense: Hecht-Reefschläger Variation) · Bb4 (French Defense: Winawer Variation)

4. Bg5White · your move

Pin the knight by moving your bishop to g5. This creates an annoying bond on the f6-knight and maintains the pressure. If Black isn't careful, you might push e5 next.

Other paths here: exd5 (French Defense: Classical Variation, Delayed Exchange Variation) · e5 (French Defense: Classical Variation, Steinitz Variation) · Bd3 (French Defense: Classical Variation, Swiss Variation) · Be3 (French Defense: Henneberger Variation)

4... dxe4Black

Black captures on e4, entering the Burn Variation. This is a clever alternative to the MacCutcheon (Bb4) or the standard Be7. Black gives up the center to gain clear development and concrete counterplay.

Other paths here: Bb4 (French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation) · Be7 (French Defense: Classical Variation, Normal Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will usually recapture on e4 with the knight, leading to a battle where White has more space but Black has a very solid structure. Black often aims to challenge the g5-bishop with Be7 or h6, while White looks to use their central influence to launch a kingside attack or maintain a nagging space advantage.

• c3-e4 Recapture the pawn to centralize the knight
• f8-e7 Develop the bishop to break the pin
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to control the center
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king