French Defense according to Roiz (5)

The Steinitz Variation occupies a fascinating niche in the French Defense landscape. While classical French players navigate the complex tactical waters of the Winawer (3...Bb4), the Steinitz presents a fundamentally different strategic proposition: Black accepts the advanced e5-pawn and prepares systematic counterplay against White's center. This course by GM Petar Arnaudov, GM Michael Roiz, and IM Nikola Nikolovski examines the Steinitz through a practical lens—not as a passive defensive system, but as a serious repertoire weapon built on understanding typical structures rather than memorizing endless variations.

For decades, the Exchange Variation carried the burden of being chess’s great equalizer — the line White chose when seeking a draw, where 3.exd5 exd5 seemed to drain the French of its characteristic tension.
But this reputation has quietly crumbled. Recent years have brought a fundamental shift in understanding: both 4.Bd3 and 4.Nf3 contain genuine venom, while White’s rare second-move alternatives — from the King’s Indian Attack to the Wing Gambit — demand precise knowledge rather than general principles.

Modern Chess announces the third installment in GM Michael Roiz's acclaimed French Defense series: French Defense for Black - Fight the Tarrasch Variation. This advanced repertoire course provides a complete strategic framework for Black against 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2, featuring the innovative collaboration between GM Michael Roiz, GM Grigor Grigorov, and IM Siegfried Baumegger that defined the series' previous success.

Modern Chess proudly announces the release of French Defense for Black - Play the Steinitz Variation, the highly anticipated second installment in GM Michael Roiz's comprehensive French Defense series. This course provides a complete repertoire for Black based on 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6, covering all critical White responses with expert-level analysis.

GM Michael Roiz presents a comprehensive repertoire against one of White's most challenging setups in the French Defense. This course delivers complete theoretical coverage of the Advance Variation after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5, examining every critical sideline White can employ.