Blumenfeld Countergambit: Spielmann Variation (E10)

The Spielmann Variation is a variation of the Blumenfeld Countergambit, catalogued as ECO E10. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 b5 5. Bg5 exd5 6. cxd5 h6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.

On the Blumenfeld Countergambit generally: ECO E10. A chess opening with 3 known variations.

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Blumenfeld Countergambit: Spielmann Variation — position after h6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 b5 5. Bg5 exd5 6. cxd5 h6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3c5
4d5b5
5Bg5exd5
6cxd5h6

ECO: E10

Stockfish: +0.44 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Spielmann Variation?

The Spielmann Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 b5 5. Bg5 exd5 6. cxd5 h6. It is a variation of the Blumenfeld Countergambit and is catalogued as ECO E10.

What is the ECO code for the Spielmann Variation?

The Spielmann Variation is ECO E10. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Blumenfeld Countergambit.

Is the Spielmann Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 b5 5. Bg5 exd5 6. cxd5 h6 at +0.44 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Spielmann Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.