Four Knights: Van der Wiel Variation

Four Knights: Van der Wiel Variation

Definition

The Van der Wiel Variation is a sub-line of the Spanish (4. Bb5) branch of the Four Knights Game. After the four knights have been developed symmetrically, White plays 7. Bg5, pinning the f6-knight and entering a rich, manoeuvring middlegame. The line is named for Dutch Grandmaster John van der Wiel, who championed it in the early 1980s.

Typical Move Order

The standard sequence reaches the critical position on move seven:

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 d6 7. Bg5

Other transpositions are common; for instance 5. d3, 6. O-O, or delaying …Bb4 by Black all keep Van der Wiel ideas intact as soon as White’s bishop appears on g5 with the four knights still on the board.

Strategic Themes

• Prophylaxis and pinning. 7. Bg5 restrains the central break …d5 and often provokes …h6, which can later serve as a target for ♗e3–g5–h4–g3 ideas.
• Flexible pawn structure. By postponing d2-d4 White keeps the centre fluid. Typical plans include c2-c3 & d4, or a slower Ruy Lopez-style expansion with a2-a4.
• Piece manoeuvres. Knights often reroute: Nb1-d2-f1-g3 or Nd5, while Black’s minor pieces hunt for outposts such as …Nc6-d4 or …Bf8-e7.
• Minor-piece tension. The symmetric bishops on b5 and b4 constantly eye the c6 & c3-knights; exchanges on c6/c3 change the pawn structure dramatically.

Historical & Practical Significance

Before Van der Wiel’s experiments the Four Knights was considered relatively harmless at top level. His use of 7. Bg5 revitalised the opening, showing that quiet development could still lead to unbalanced, long middlegames. Modern GMs such as Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian and Anish Giri have employed the variation as a low-theory, high-skill battleground.

Plans for Both Sides

• White
  1. Maintain the pin with h2-h3 & g2-g4 or drop back to h4/g3 after …h6.
  2. Prepare d3-d4 with c2-c3, Re1, and possibly Bg5-h4-g3.
  3. Target the queenside after an exchange on c6 with a2-a4 & Ba2 ideas.
• Black
  1. Break the pin via …h6 & …g5 or …Be6, challenging the g5-bishop.
  2. Strike in the centre with …d5 once adequately prepared.
  3. Opt for structural clarity by exchanging on c3 or maintain tension with …Ba5.

Illustrative Game

J. van der Wiel – R. Hübner, Wijk aan Zee 1986 The pioneer out-manoeuvred the German star, demonstrating the latent kingside pressure of the line.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When Van der Wiel first used the line, analysts dismissed 7. Bg5 as “harmless”; his unbeaten streak with it (over a dozen games) quickly changed that perception.
• Because the position is symmetrical yet unforced, engines historically gave “0.00” evaluations, making it an attractive practical weapon against computer preparation.
• Magnus Carlsen employed the variation against Hikaru Nakamura in 2015 (London Chess Classic, rapid), grinding out a 71-move win from an apparently equal endgame.

Related Openings & Transpositions

• Four Knights Game – the parent opening.
• Spanish Four Knights – same until 4. Bb5.
• Ruy Lopez: Closed – structures with c3 & d4 can transpose here.
• Giuoco Pianissimo – similar slow-build strategies in the Italian Game.

Summary

The Van der Wiel Variation keeps pieces on the board, emphasising understanding over rote theory. Its balanced yet dynamic nature makes it ideal for players who enjoy long manoeuvring battles and wish to sidestep the heaviest Ruy Lopez lines without conceding the initiative.