French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation

In the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, White's first move e4 is aimed at controlling the center and opening lines for their pieces. By pushing the pawn two squares ahead, White gains control of the d5 square and frees the bishop and queen. Additionally, e4 opens up an avenue for the white bishop on c1 to be developed to a favorable square, such as b5 or e2. In sum, this aggressive move sets the tone for a dynamic game and puts pressure on Black to respond accurately.

Black's move e6 in response to e4 is a common strategy to gain control over the d5 square and restrict White's pawn on e4. By placing a pawn on e6, Black is also preparing to develop their bishop on c8 to f5, d7, or b4, depending on the variations played. Additionally, e6 paves the way for the light-squared bishop to be developed to e7 or d6, setting up potential pawn breaks with moves like d5. In sum, e6 is a solid and flexible move that puts Black in a position to fight for control of the center.

White's move d4 after 1.e4 e6 is a very natural continuation of their opening strategy. By moving the pawn to d4, White frees up space for their queen and king's bishop, putting pressure on Black's pawn on e6. Additionally, d4 challenges Black's control over the central squares, directly attacking the pawn on e6. This move is also a key component of many solid and aggressive variations of the French Defense opening. In sum, d4 is a powerful move that aims to quickly develop White's pieces and control the center of the board.

In the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, Black's move d5 is a natural and powerful response to White's move d4, aiming to challenge White's control over the center. By pushing the pawn to d5, Black opens up their light-squared bishop, allowing it to be developed to f5 or g4. This move also puts pressure on the pawn on e4, forcing White to make a decision about how to defend it. In many variations, capturing the pawn on d5 with the pawn or knight can lead to an equal position for Black. In sum, d5 is a critical move that allows Black to fight for control over the center and disrupts White's initial plans.

White's move Nc3 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 is a natural developing move that supports White's control over the center. By placing the knight on c3, White prepares to gain control of the d5 square, attacking Black's pawn on d5 and supporting the pawn on e4. Nc3 also frees up the Queen to be developed to a more active square. Additionally, putting the knight on c3 allows White to prepare to castle kingside and bring their rook into play. In sum, Nc3 is a sensible move that helps White maintain control and prepare for further development.

Black's move Nf6 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 is a key defensive move that challenges White's control over the center. By bringing the knight to f6, Black attacks the pawn on e4 and prepares to castle kingside. Nf6 is also a natural developing move that frees up the bishop on c8 and supports future moves to control the center of the board. Additionally, Nf6 puts pressure on the knight on c3, forcing White to make a decision about how to defend it. In sum, Nf6 is a critical move that prepares Black for a strong defense and puts pressure on White's position.

In the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, White's move e5 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 is a strong pawn push that aims to gain control over the center of the board. By advancing the pawn to e5, White strengthens their pawn on d4 and attacks the knight on f6, forcing Black to make a decision about how to respond. This move also opens up lines for White's pieces, allowing the queen and bishop to be developed to more active squares. Additionally, e5 helps White put pressure on Black's position and sets the stage for further attacking opportunities. In sum, this is an aggressive move that seeks to gain control of the board and claim a more dominant position.

Black's move Nfd7 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 is a natural developing move that aims to defend the knight on f6 and potentially reposition it to d7 or c6. By moving the knight to d7, Black frees up space for the bishop on c8, and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, Nfd7 puts pressure on White's pawn on e5, forcing White to spend time defending it, which can potentially slow down their development. In sum, Nfd7 is a solid move that allows Black to secure their position and prepare for future moves.

White's move f4 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 is a bold and aggressive move that aims to control the center and gain space on the board. By pushing the pawn to f4, White reinforces their pawn on e5 and prevents Black's knight from moving to g6. This move also prepares to open up lines for White's pieces on the kingside, particularly the bishops. Additionally, f4 puts pressure on Black's pawn structure and can create weaknesses that White can exploit in the long run. In sum, f4 is a strong move that seeks to put Black on the defensive and gain an advantage on the board.

In the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, Black's move c5 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 is a classic break move that aims to challenge White's pawn on d4 and gain space on the board. By pushing the pawn to c5, Black attacks the pawn on d4, forcing White to either capture with the pawn and create a structural weakness, or move the knight to a less active square. This move also creates space for Black's c8 bishop to be developed, aligning with the pawn chain on c5-d6-e5. Additionally, c5 can counteract White's central pawn majority and hinder any plans to push pawns forward. In sum, c5 is a critical move that allows Black to fight for control over the center of the board and create potential for counterplay.

White's move Nf3 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 is a natural developing move that aims to free up the queen to be developed to a more active square. By placing the knight on f3, White also defends the pawn on e5 and prepares to castle kingside. This move puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5, potentially forcing it to retreat and relinquish control over the center. Additionally, Nf3 prepares White to line up the king's bishop with the pawn chain on e5 and d4, creating more attacking potential on the kingside. In sum, Nf3 is an effective move that helps White coordinate their pieces and prepare for future developments.

Black's move Nc6 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 is a solid and flexible move that aims to control the center and develop their pieces. By bringing the knight to c6, Black prepares to challenge White's control over the d4 square, potentially leading to pawn exchanges and simplification of the position. Nc6 also clears the way for the queen's knight or dark-squared bishop to be developed to b6 or d6, strengthening control of the center and preparing for castling kingside. Additionally, Nc6 can put slight pressure on White's pawn on e5, forcing them to defend it with a knight or bishop. In sum, Nc6 is a sensible move that helps Black establish a solid defense and prepare for further development.

In the French Defense: Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Variation, White's move Be3 after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 is a key developing move that aims to complete the development of White's pieces and exert more control over the center. By placing the bishop on e3, White eyes the b6 square and indirectly defends the pawn on e5. This move also prepares for future moves like castling kingside and connecting the rooks. Additionally, Be3 can put slight pressure on Black's pawn on d5, which may need to be defended by the knight on f6. In sum, Be3 is a solid move that helps White complete their development and prepare for future plans.