Two Knights Defense, Blackburne Variation

The Blackburne Variation departs from the Polerio Defense main line at move eight. Instead of moving the attacked c6-pawn or defending it, Black takes the bishop with 8...cxb5, allowing 9. Qxa8, which is practically the only move played and the engine's top choice. Black is then down the exchange for a pawn but leads heavily in development while the white queen sits stranded in the corner. Play is highly forcing, engines judge Black's compensation as sufficient, and online results are nearly even with very few draws.