Best response to the French Defense: Steinitz Variation (C11)
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7 · White to move
What is the best response to the French Defense: Steinitz Variation (1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 a6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nfd7)? White to move. See the top replies ranked by opening theory and real-game results, starting with Ne2.
The main theoretical reply is Ne2, reaching the French Defense: Steinitz Variation.
Ranked replies for White