French Defense: Burn Variation

Before the first move

The French Defense is a rock-solid response to 1.e4 where Black builds a sturdy pawn chain. In the Burn Variation, White develops aggressively with 3.Nc3 and pins your knight on f6. This setup creates a tense, strategic battle where both sides fight for central control and king safety through precise piece play.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most common opening move. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. You'll need to choose a defense; while 1...e5 leads to symmetrical games, the French Defense with 1...e6 offers a more counter-attacking approach.

1... e6Black · your move

Move your pawn to e6. This defines the French Defense, preparing to support a later d5 push. You are building a solid foundation and inviting White to reveal their central intentions before you commit your other pieces.

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

2. d4White

White plays d4, seizing the full center. This is the most principled response to the French. You might occasionally see the King's Indian Attack with 2.d3 or the Chigorin Variation with 2.Qe2, but the main battle always revolves around this central space.

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 · your move

Advance your pawn to d5. You are immediately challenging White's center and forcing a decision. This move creates tension against the e4 pawn and establishes your own presence in the heart of the board.

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

White plays Nc3, the most complex and aggressive response. White develops a piece while protecting e4. You could also face the Tarrasch Variation with 3.Nd2 or the Exchange Variation, but Nc3 leads to the most sharp and theoretical lines.

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 · your move

Bring your knight to f6. This develops a piece toward the center and puts pressure on the e4 pawn. You are inviting White to either advance their pawn to e5 or pin your knight, leading into the main theoretical branches.

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

White plays Bg5, pinning your knight and entering the Burn Variation territory. White avoids the locked positions of the Steinitz Variation (4.e5) and instead focuses on piece pressure. You must now decide whether to capture on e4 or break the pin with Be7.

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)

Where you stand

The position is rich with possibilities. Black often chooses to capture on e4 to simplify the center, while White aims to use the space advantage and active pieces to launch an attack. Both sides must balance central stability with the need for rapid development and king safety.

• d5-e4 Capture on e4 to resolve central tension
• f8-e7 Develop bishop to e7 to break the pin
• g5-f6 Trade bishop for knight to damage pawn structure
• e4-e5 Push to e5 to gain space and kick the knight