Modern Defense: Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit (B06)

The Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit is a variation of the Modern Defense, catalogued as ECO B06. The line runs 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 Qb6 6. Qd2 Qxb2, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White’s a-file pawn is isolated.

On the Modern Defense generally: Similar to the Pirc but more flexible. Black fianchettoes the king's bishop early.

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Modern Defense: Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit — position after Qxb2 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 Qb6 6. Qd2 Qxb2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4g6
2d4Bg7
3Nc3d6
4Nf3c6
5Bg5Qb6
6Qd2Qxb2

ECO: B06

Stockfish: +0.50 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Modern Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit?

The Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit goes 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 Qb6 6. Qd2 Qxb2. It is a variation of the Modern Defense and is catalogued as ECO B06.

What is the ECO code for the Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit?

The Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit is ECO B06. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Modern Defense.

Is the Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 Qb6 6. Qd2 Qxb2 at +0.50 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 Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation, Tal Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White’s a-file pawn is isolated.