The Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation is a variation of the Three Knights Opening, catalogued as ECO C46. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.
On the Three Knights Opening generally: ECO C46. A chess opening with 6 known variations.
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All Three Knights Opening variations
The Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5. It is a variation of the Three Knights Opening and is catalogued as ECO C46.
The Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation is ECO C46. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Three Knights Opening.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 at +0.10 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.