Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, Bogoljubow Variation

The Bogoljubow Variation meets the standard Polerio position after 7...bxc6 with 8. Qf3 instead of the more usual retreat 8. Be2. The queen develops with a threat. The c6-pawn is pinned against the rook on a8, because 8...cxb5 would allow Qxa8, so the bishop can stay on b5 for the moment. Black is already a pawn down and usually keeps the lead in development by offering more material, either a second pawn or the rook. The line became popular after Nigel Short won convincingly against Mark Hebden with it. Computer analysis has since suggested that Black's compensation is adequate, and the engine rates the position as balanced.

The most common reply is 8...Bb7, which develops and guards a8 at the same time. 8...Be7 continues development and scores best for Black in online games, and 8...Bd7 is also frequent. Taking the bishop with 8...cxb5 and allowing the rook to fall is the Blackburne Variation. 8...Rb8 steps out of the pin; it is the Colman Variation and the engine's preferred move. Overall results are close and draws are very rare, as the play stays sharp and concrete.