Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack

C63tacticalaggressiveoffbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5f5
  4. 4.d4
1,390 games49%48%

Sharp reply to the Schliemann Defense in which White counterattacks in the center with 4. d4, often leading to piece sacrifices and unclear play.

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About the Schönemann Attack

The Schönemann Attack meets the Schliemann Defense with 4. d4, striking at e5 instead of defending e4. Black usually answers 4...fxe4. After 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. dxe5 c6, a bishop retreat allows ...Qa5+ winning the e5-pawn, so White commonly gives up a piece with 7. Nc3 cxb5 8. Nxe4 d5 9. exd6 Nf6, reaching an unclear position. Engines rate the line as balanced, and practical results are roughly even.

Popular continuations