Exchange Variation, Symmetrical Line

After 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5 the position is completely symmetrical. Every minor piece stands on an active square, and the c-file is open for both sides. With 6...Bf5 Black copies White's bishop development rather than breaking the symmetry with the waiting move 6...a6, which would rule out a pin by Bb5. White's only asset is the extra tempo, and the line is a common choice for players content with a draw.

White usually continues 7. e3, which is played in the large majority of games. After 7...e6 the quiet route 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. Qxd3 Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 exchanges minor pieces and reaches total equality. The more pointed 8. Qb3, the Trifunovic Variation, puts pressure on b7, and Black answers 8...Bb4, pinning the c3-knight. The immediate 7. Qb3 is the second most frequent move and scores better for White than 7. e3. Engines also favor 7. Rc1, whereas 7. a3 has given Black good results. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced. In online games, however, draws are rare and White scores slightly better.