St. George Defense: what should Black play?

e6! — Excellent Choice!

✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a high-level strategy that only 6% of players identify!

Why this move is excellent: By playing e6, you immediately blunt the power of the c4 on the diagonal and prepare to challenge the center with d5. It is a solid, professional response that prioritizes central stability and piece safety.

Multiple Valid Strategies

Different paths, same destination: While e6 is a rock-solid foundation for a French or Sicilian-style structure, c5 is more provocative, inviting a fight for the center. Both moves are objectively excellent, but they lead to very different types of games—one focused on structure, the other on space.

Your Continuation

After e6, the engine expects a central clash: d4 d5 exd5 exd5 Bb3

What Made This Move Good

You correctly saw: That the f7 pawn was a potential target for the c4. By placing a pawn on e6, you create a "granite wall" that makes White's most active piece bite on cold marble. Most players at your level mistakenly try Ra7, but you found the much more sophisticated central solution!

📚 Takeaway: When an opponent develops a piece to an aggressive square, sometimes the best "attack" is a solid defensive structure that makes their piece useless.