McCutcheon Variation, Dr. Olland Variation
- 1.e4e6
- 2.d4d5
- 3.Nc3Nf6
- 4.Bg5Bb4
- 5.e5h6
- 6.Bc1
127 games
A rare McCutcheon French line in which White answers 5...h6 by retreating the bishop to its home square with 6. Bc1 instead of 6. Bd2.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Dr. Olland Variation
The Dr. Olland Variation is an uncommon alternative to the main-line 6. Bd2. With 6. Bc1 White withdraws the attacked bishop to its original square, where it remains safe from exchange. The e5-pawn still hits the f6-knight, so Black usually moves it, most often with 6...Ne4 and less often with 6...Nfd7. Another option is 6...Bxc3+. Engines give White a slight edge, and White has scored well in the few recorded online games.