Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation (C48)

The Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation is a variation of the Four Knights Game, catalogued as ECO C48. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move after five moves.

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.

Position characteristics

• White material edge
• Contested centre

Related Four Knights Game lines

• Scotch Variation, Krause Gambit, Leonhardt Defense
• Scotch Variation, Oxford Gambit
• Scotch Variation, Schmid Defense
• Spanish Variation, Bardeleben Variation
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation Accepted
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Henneberger Variation
• Glek System
• Gunsberg Variation, Provincial Opening
• Halloween Gambit, Oldtimer Variation
• Halloween Gambit, Plasma Variation

See all 36 Four Knights Game variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation?

The Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C48.

What is the ECO code for the Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation?

The Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation is ECO C48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Four Knights Game.

Is the Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6 at +0.48 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 Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move.