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 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Nxe5 Qe7 6. f4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves.
On the Four Knights Game generally: A symmetrical opening leading to equal but interesting positions. Good for beginners.
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The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Nxe5 Qe7 6. f4. 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 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Nxe5 Qe7 6. f4 at -0.28 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.