French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation (C13)

The Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation is a variation of the French Defense, catalogued as ECO C13. The line runs 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4 O-O, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

On the French Defense generally: A solid defense where Black builds a strong pawn chain. Leads to strategic middlegames with clear plans.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation — position after O-O h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4 O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e6
2d4d5
3Nc3Nf6
4Bg5Be7
5e5Nfd7
6h4O-O

ECO: C13

Stockfish: +0.87 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related French Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation?

The Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation goes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4 O-O. It is a variation of the French Defense and is catalogued as ECO C13.

What is the ECO code for the Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation?

The Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation is ECO C13. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the French Defense.

Is the Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4 O-O at +0.87 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Spielmann Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.