Schlechter Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Nc3Bb4
- 4.Nd5Nf6
1,792 games
A Three Knights line in which Black answers 4. Nd5 with 4...Nf6, developing instead of saving the bishop; White usually gains the bishop pair.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Schlechter Variation
The Schlechter Variation arises after 3...Bb4 4. Nd5 Nf6. Black answers the knight's attack on the bishop by developing a piece and conceding the bishop pair, rather than spending a tempo on a retreat. The capture 5. Nxb4 is the usual reply and accounts for most games. The alternatives are 5. c3, which scores best for White, and 5. Nxf6+. Engines give White a slight edge, but online results are close to even.