The classical approach to the French with 3...Nf6, directly challenging White's e4 pawn. Leads to the famous Steinitz, Burn, and McCutcheon variations.
Every line in this family begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6, then branches. Each variation below has its own page with the full move order, the position it reaches, and a Stockfish evaluation.
All 8 lines can be practised free in the browser: pick a variation, walk it move by move in Learn mode, then drill it from memory until you can play it without prompting.
The French, Classical Variation begins 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6. From there it branches into 8 named variations, each with its own move order and typical plans.
The French, Classical Variation is catalogued under ECO codes C11–C14. Individual variations list their own specific code on their page.
Open any variation on Chess Ramp and use Learn mode to walk the line one move at a time, then Drill mode to replay it from memory. Practice runs in your browser with no account required.