Braune Variation

The Braune Variation, 5. Be3, is one of White's less common answers to the Steinitz Variation, 4...Qh4. Instead of protecting e4 with 5. Nc3 or attacking the queen with 5. Nb5, the Horwitz Attack, White develops the dark-squared bishop and bolsters the d4-knight while leaving the e-pawn en prise. Black nearly always takes it with 5...Qxe4. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and practical results are close to even.