This variation is so tricky that even 2700+ rated players got trapped and lost in 8 moves! Most importantly, it happens after the most played moves by Black in the Classical Variation, Steinitz Variation.

We will see a tricky and aggressive line that has caught many strong players off guard, leading to quick victories in just a few moves. In this article, he shares games where players rated over 2700 got defeated in just eight moves.

This variation involves playing Qh5 and a strange knight assault that creates a dual threat, leading to a winning position. I explain the common mistakes that players make in this opening and how to take advantage of them to gain control of the game. Let’s get started.

1.e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nd7 5. Qh5!?

We followed the main line of the French Defense and played a little weird and highly aggressive move, Qh5.

 At first, it looks like a weird move, kind of like you’re trying for some Scholars Mate, and looks completely uncalled for. Yet, it’s super tricky and much better than it looks at first.

In this variation, in most cases, usually Black continues playing their standard moves, which are in the French Defense.

Let’s see what happens if Black continues with the most common 5…c5.

This is an absolutely crushing variation. What I really love about this variation and why so many strong opponents got defeated that way is because it’s kind of hard to believe that this quick attack actually works out for a while.

And just to give you an idea of how effective this opening information is, just think about this. We’re not going over some strange line. We’re talking about the most common, most popular moves of Black, which lead to this particular position that we can see from the below screenshot, You can see over here, 2500, 2600, and 2700-rated players are casually trapped that way.

Now, the second most common variation here is a lot of fun as well.

Let’s see what to do if Black takes on d4 instead.

If Black Plays 5..g6

You may be wondering, “Igor, it’s all good, but what if Black simply goes pawn g6, kicking this queen away? Does that refute the entire plan?” Not really.

The move g6 does indeed force your queen to move, but there are obvious downsides to this move as well.

It weakens permanently all these dark squares on the kingside, and in the long term, you’re going to attack the opponent’s castling kingside.

Let’s see how to play if Black plays 5..g6

So, overall, it’s really difficult for Black to move, and you’re just going to play very standard moves and have a comfortable advantage.

Conclusion

I have presented an exciting and effective new opening variation against the French Defense in chess, by making seemingly strange and aggressive moves,

White is able to gain a significant advantage and even trap Black’s pieces.

This variation has already led to victories against strong opponents, and it is based on the most common and popular moves played in the French Defense.

With these powerful new tactics in hand, chess players of all levels can surprise their opponents and improve their game.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article and want to see the concepts discussed in action, we have created a video lesson that covers the same material in a more visual and interactive way.

You can download the PGN of this opening variation below: