Black plays the solid 4...d6 after first inserting ...a6 and Ba4, building a quiet, classical setup. Named after the first world champion Wilhelm Steinitz, this defence avoids the heavy theory of the mainline Closed Variation while keeping the position flexible. Black plans ...Nf6, ...Be7 and ...O-O, with a healthy if slightly cramped position.
LinesPractice Mode
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You (White)
Your move - play White's next move
ProgressMove 1 of 5
Move Sequence
1.e4e5
2.Nf3Nc6
3.Bb5a6
4.Ba4d6
5.c3f5
Current lineSteinitz Defence Deferred
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0
Reps
🔥
0
Streak
0/3
Learned
Earn a tick by completing the line without a mistake. 3 ticks = learned.