Bouncing Bishop Variation

The Bouncing Bishop Variation arises after 1. e3 e5 2. Bc4 b5 3. Bb3. Black answers White's early bishop development by putting the b-pawn en prise. Rather than capture, White retreats the bishop, which keeps its aim at f7 along the a2–g8 diagonal but has spent a further tempo. In return Black gains queenside space, though the advanced b-pawn can become a target. Material remains level, and the line is an irregular sideline of an already irregular opening.