The Spanish Variation, Janowski Variation is a variation of the Four Knights Game, catalogued as ECO C49. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d6 8. Re1, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after eight moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the c-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair.
On the Four Knights Game generally: A symmetrical opening leading to equal but interesting positions. Good for beginners.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
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The Spanish Variation, Janowski Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d6 8. Re1. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C49.
The Spanish Variation, Janowski Variation is ECO C49. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Four Knights Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d6 8. Re1 at +0.15 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the c-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair.