The French – Steiner Variation arises after 1.e4 e6 2.c4. ECO code: C00.

White plays 2.c4 instead of 2.d4, steering away from standard French theory into English Opening-type territory. After 2...d5, the position can resemble a reversed Sicilian or transposition into QGD structures. The variation avoids the main lines but gives Black easy equality.