Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation, Spielmann Defense

The Spielmann Defense arises after 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e6, which is the order ECO uses to file it under A32. It can also be reached through other routes, including 1. c4 e6 2. d4 c5 3. Nf3 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6. In contrast to the sharper 4...e5, the move ...e6 does not challenge the centralized knight. Black opens the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop and prepares a later ...d5 against the c4 pawn. The result is a half-open position on the c- and d-files that resembles a Sicilian with White's pawn on c4, and play can turn into Queen's Gambit structures if the central break comes.

5. Nc3 is chosen in a clear majority of games, and the reply 5...Nc6 has its own ECO code, A33. The fianchetto 5. g3 is the main alternative and has scored better for White. The modest 5. e3 is uncommon. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and practical results are close to even.