French Defense: McCutcheon Variation, Duras Variation
ECO C12
Move order
1. e4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 3. d4 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bb4 5. e5 h6 6. Bd2 Bxc3 7. bxc3 Ne4 8. Qg4 Kf8 9. Bc1
Ideas
ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.