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

The Spanish Variation, Spielmann 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 dxc6 6. Nxe5 Nxe4 7. Nxe4 Qd4 8. O-O Qxe5 9. Re1 Be6 10. d4 Qd5, reaching the position shown below after 20 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after ten moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair; the e-file file is fully open.

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

• Bishop pair
• Doubled pawns
• Open file

Related Four Knights Game lines

• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Henneberger Variation
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Marshall Gambit
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Marshall Variation
• Spanish Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Maróczy Variation
• Spanish Variation
• Spanish Variation, Alatortsev Variation
• Spanish Variation, Double Spanish
• Spanish Variation, Gunsberg Counterattack
• 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, Spielmann Variation?

The Spanish Variation, Spielmann Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6 dxc6 6. Nxe5 Nxe4 7. Nxe4 Qd4 8. O-O Qxe5 9. Re1 Be6 10. d4 Qd5. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C48.

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

The Spanish Variation, Spielmann 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, Spielmann Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6 dxc6 6. Nxe5 Nxe4 7. Nxe4 Qd4 8. O-O Qxe5 9. Re1 Be6 10. d4 Qd5 at +0.31 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, Spielmann Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair; the e-file file is fully open.