Spanish Variation, Symmetrical Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Nc3Nf6
- 4.Bb5Bb4
- 5.O-OO-O
- 6.d3d6
1,046 games
A closed, symmetrical branch of the Double Spanish Four Knights in which both sides castle and play d3 and ...d6, leading to slow maneuvering play.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Symmetrical Variation
With 6. d3 d6 both sides keep mirroring each other, producing a closed center and slow maneuvering. The most common and most aggressive try is 7. Bg5, pinning the f6 knight. Black must not copy with 7...Bg4, which loses a piece after 8. Bxf6 Qxf6 9. Nd5. The main line is the Metger Unpin, 7...Bxc3 8. bxc3 Qe7, intending ...Nd8 and ...Ne6 to challenge the bishop. Alternatively, 7. Ne2, the Maróczy System, reroutes the knight toward g3.