Spanish Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.c3d5
- 4.Bb5
1,144 games
A dubious Ponziani line in which White pins the c6-knight with 4. Bb5 after 3...d5, allowing Black sharp counterplay and a clear edge.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Spanish Variation
The Spanish Variation meets 3...d5 with 4. Bb5, pinning the c6-knight in Ruy Lopez style instead of with 4. Qa4. It is held to be inferior because 4...dxe4 5. Nxe5 Qg5 attacks the knight and g2 while lining up against the b5-bishop. The engine gives Black a clear advantage. After 4...dxe4 5. Nxe5, the alternative 5...Qd5 6. Qa4 is the Harrwitz Attack, Nikitin Gambit. Black scores well in practice.