The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Marshall Gambit 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. Ba4 Bc5 6. Nxe5 O-O, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.
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, Marshall Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Nd4 5. Ba4 Bc5 6. Nxe5 O-O. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C48.
The Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Marshall Gambit 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. Ba4 Bc5 6. Nxe5 O-O at -0.20 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.
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 White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.