🛡 Main Variations Advance Variation ‣ 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 White grabs space — black attacks the pawn chain with ...c5 and ...Nc6. Exchange Variation ‣ 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 Simplifies quickly; more drawish but offers balanced play. Tarrasch Variation ‣ 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Prepares c3 and protects the e4 pawn. Flexible and solid. Classical / Steinitz ‣ 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Most aggressive line; may lead to the Winawer or Rubinstein depending on Black's choice.