Pseudo-Spanish Variation

The Pseudo-Spanish Variation answers 1...Nc6 by developing the bishop to b5 at once, where it bears on the knight in the manner of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game). White postpones d4 and keeps the option of returning to familiar open-game territory. The most frequent reply, 2...e5, does exactly that after 3. Nf3, reaching the Ruy Lopez proper. Black players who want to avoid that transposition have several independent choices, and the engine rates the position as balanced, with practical results nearly even.

2...a6 questions the bishop immediately. White usually captures with 3. Bxc6, and after 3...dxc6 the game is level, with Black holding the bishop pair. 2...Nd4 sidesteps the pin and attacks the bishop in turn, and White generally retreats it with 3. Bc4 or 3. Ba4. 2...Nf6 hits e4, where 3. d3 is considered the most accurate defense, although 3. Bxc6 and 3. Nc3 have been played more often. Engines also favor 2...d5, which strikes at the center before the bishop has a clear target.