Don Chess

Learn the Schliemann Gambit

A counterattack against the Ruy Lopez with 3…f5 – cheeky, sharp and far away from normal theory.

You play with Black. How you learn it with Don Chess: watch first, then play it with an arrow, then from memory – with spaced repetition until it sticks. Free, no sign-up.

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The main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5 dxe4 7.Nxc6 Qg5

C63 · Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Classical Variation

The position after the main line

The moves explained

Why is each move played? The explanations come from the opening trainer – there you play the moves yourself afterwards.

  1. 1.e4 Occupies the centre with a pawn on e4.
  2. 1…e5 Occupies the centre with a pawn on e5.
  3. 2.Nf3 Develops the knight to f3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  4. 2…Nc6 Develops the knight to c6 – pieces out first, then attack.
  5. 3.Bb5 Develops the bishop to b5 – pieces out first, then attack.
  6. 3…f5 Gambit: the pawn on f5 is offered – for quick development and open lines.
  7. 4.Nc3 Develops the knight to c3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  8. 4…fxe4 Takes the pawn on e4.
  9. 5.Nxe4 Takes back on e4 – material is level again.
  10. 5…d5 Occupies the centre with a pawn on d5.
  11. 6.Nxe5 Takes the pawn on e5.
  12. 6…dxe4 Takes the knight on e4.
  13. 7.Nxc6 Takes the knight on c6.
  14. 7…Qg5 The queen was attacked and goes to safety on g5.

Idea and plans

The idea

With 3.Bb5 White attacks the knight defending e5 and keeps long-term pressure on Black’s centre.

Plan for White

Castle, c3 and d4 for a strong centre, later the knight route Nbd2–f1–g3 and pressure on the kingside.

Plan for Black

Chase the bishop with …a6 and …b5, hold e5 and look for queenside counterplay (…c5).

Tip

The early 4.Bxc6 and Nxe5 usually does not win a pawn because of …Qd4 or …Qg5.

The 3 lines in the course

Grey: the moves shared with the main line. Bold: the move where the line leaves it.

Train the Schliemann Gambit now →

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