Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Svenonius Variation (C49)

The Spanish Variation, Svenonius Variation is a variation of the Four Knights Game, catalogued as ECO C49. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the c-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair.

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

• Contested centre
• Same-side castling
• Bishop pair
• Doubled pawns
• Isolated pawn

Related Four Knights Game lines

• Spanish Variation, Double Spanish
• Spanish Variation, Gunsberg Counterattack
• Spanish Variation, Janowski Variation
• Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation
• Spanish Variation, Symmetrical Variation
• Spanish Variation, Symmetrical Variation
• Spanish Variation, Symmetrical Variation
• Spanish Variation, Symmetrical 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, Svenonius Variation?

The Spanish Variation, Svenonius Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d5. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C49.

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

The Spanish Variation, Svenonius Variation is ECO C49. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Four Knights Game.

Is the Spanish Variation, Svenonius Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 Bxc3 7. bxc3 d5 at +0.37 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, Svenonius Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the c-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair.