The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein 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 Nd4 5. Be2, 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. 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.
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The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Be2. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C48.
The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation is ECO C48. 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 Nd4 5. Be2 at -0.05 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.