Four Knights Game - Double Spanish Nimzowitsch

Four Knights Game – Double Spanish, Nimzowitsch Variation

Definition

The Four Knights Game – Double Spanish, Nimzowitsch Variation is a branch of the classical Four Knights opening that arises after both players develop a bishop to b5 (for White) and b4 (for Black), producing a “double Spanish” structure. The tabiya (starting line) is usually given as:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4

When White continues 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 d6 7. Bg5, we reach the Nimzowitsch Variation, named after the influential Latvian–Danish grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch, who first drew systematic attention to the early pin with 7.Bg5 in the 1910s-1920s.

Typical Move-Order and Position

The core sequence is:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Nc3 Nf6
4. Bb5 Bb4 (Double Spanish)
5. O-O O-O
6. d3 d6
7. Bg5 (Nimzowitsch pin)

After 7…Bxc3 (or …Ne7) the position typically contains:

• Symmetrical pawn structure: pawns on e4/e5, d3/d6.
• Four knights developed; both kings castled.
• Mutual bishop pins (Bb5 on c6-knight, Bg5 on f6-knight).
• A slow, maneuvering battle reminiscent of the Ruy Lopez, but with earlier piece tension.

Strategic Themes

• Central tension without early pawn breaks. Both sides postpone d4/d5 or c3/c6, preferring piece pressure.
• Pair of pins. White’s Bg5 and Bb5 simultaneously restrain …d5 and …f5, while Black’s …Bb4 can provoke c2-c3, weakening d3.
• Minor-piece exchanges. Black may exchange on c3 to damage White’s queenside, whereas White often captures on c6 when it hurts Black’s pawn structure or control of d5.
• Maneuvering squares. Knights commonly reroute: Nb1-d2-f1-g3 for White; Nb8-d7-f8-g6 or Nd4/f5 for Black.
• Slow kingside pawn storms. Because the center is closed, pawn advances like g2-g3, h2-h3 (for White) or …h6, …g5 (for Black) appear later in the middlegame.

Historical Perspective

The Double Spanish was fashionable at the start of the 20th century. Nimzowitsch championed the early 7.Bg5 idea, believing it violated then-classical dogma that “the bishop should not move twice in the opening.” His successes helped popularize flexible, hyper-modern maneuvering. Though eclipsed by the mainline Ruy Lopez, the line remains a sound surprise weapon.

Illustrative Game

Capablanca – Chajes, New York 1913 is an early showcase. After 4…Bb4 5.O-O O-O 6.d3 d6 7.Bg5, Capablanca slowly improved his position, demonstrated the latent kingside pressure, and converted a superior minor-piece ending.

Famous Practitioners

• Aron Nimzowitsch – namesake and key theoretical contributor.
• José Raúl Capablanca – employed it in simultaneous exhibitions and serious play.
• Vladimir Kramnik – used the Double Spanish structure as a modern surprise weapon during rapid events.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• c2-c3 Break. Provoked by …Bb4; after c3 Bxc3 bxc3 White gains the bishop pair but must guard d3.
• Nd4 Fork. Black can jump a knight to d4 hitting c2/e2 if White is careless.
• Pin Exploitation. …Bxc3 followed by …Nd4 can overload the pinned f6-knight, enabling …d5 or …f5.

Why Choose This Line?

• Surprise value. Rare at club level; many players know only the standard Spanish or Scotch Four Knights.
• Low theory burden. Plans are more important than memorization.
• Rich middlegame. Appeals to positional players who enjoy maneuvering yet keeps tactical opportunities alive.

Interesting Facts

• The early Bg5 was once considered “anti-positional” because the bishop moves twice, but Nimzowitsch argued “pieces do not tire,” overturning classical prejudice.
• In 2004 Michael Adams experimented with the line in blitz against computers, finding that engines at the time underestimated its strategic depth.

Summary

The Double Spanish, Nimzowitsch Variation offers a harmonious, strategically rich alternative to mainline Ruy Lopez theory. It features flexible pawn structures, twin bishop pins, and long-term maneuvering battles, reflecting the hyper-modern influence of its namesake. While not seen every day at elite level, it remains an effective surprise weapon and an instructive laboratory for learning Spanish-style plans with reduced memorization.