Closed, Botvinnik Defense, with f4

Here Black meets White's 6. f4 with 6...e5, adopting the Botvinnik Defense setup with pawns on c5, d6 and e5. The chain gives Black a firm hold on d4 and challenges the f4-pawn, though it partly hems in the bishop on g7. White most often continues 7. Nf3. The main alternative, 7. Nh3, has scored better for White. The engine rates the position roughly balanced, while White's results in the Lichess database are favorable.