Four Knights Game · C48
Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, after 2... Nf6, through 6. f4
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Nxe5 Qe7 6. f4
The structure hands Black the half-open e-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it. Black's pawn on d7 is pinned against the king.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Petrov's Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 49 in the Four Knights Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.