Jaenisch Gambit - Ruy Lopez Counterattack

Jaenisch Gambit

Definition

The Jaenisch Gambit (also called the Schliemann Gambit) is an ambitious counter-attacking line for Black against the Ruy Lopez. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5, Black immediately strikes in the center with 3…f5!?, offering a pawn to seize the initiative. ECO code: C63.

Typical Move Order

The main moves run:

e4 e5
Nf3 Nc6
Bb5 f5!? (the gambit)
- 4. Nc3 (or 4. d3) is the solid choice.
- 4. exf5 e4! leads to sharper pawn-sacrifice lines.

Strategic Themes

King-side space & initiative: …f5 stakes ground on f4 and opens attacking prospects against White’s king.
Central tension: Black often follows with …Nf6, …d5, or …exd4 to undermine e4 and free the dark-squared bishop.
Imbalanced pawn structure: Black accepts long-term weaknesses (e-pawn, light squares) in exchange for rapid development and piece activity.
Transpositions: Some lines resemble the King’s Gambit Declined (after 4. exf5 e4) or even the Vienna Game if White plays Nc3 early.

Historical Notes

The idea was first analyzed by the Russian theoretician Carl Jaenisch (hence the name) in the 1840s. Dr. Adolf Schliemann, a German lawyer and amateur master, made it fashionable in the late 19th century by playing it successfully in European tournaments, so English literature sometimes calls it the Schliemann Defense. Although considered suspect for decades, modern engines show that with precise play Black can obtain dynamic equality, reviving interest at top level rapid and blitz events.

Illustrative Game

Short vs. Shirov, Madrid 1996—a textbook demonstration of Black’s attacking resources:

Black sacrificed material but generated a crushing attack, illustrating the gambit’s spirit.

Modern Practice & Notable Games

Hikaru Nakamura employed it in blitz against Magnus Carlsen (2019), scoring a quick draw after mutual complications.
Ian Nepomniachtchi has used the gambit in rapid events, trusting his tactical prowess.
Teimour Radjabov defeated Boris Gelfand (FIDE GP, 2013) with precise preparation in the 4.Nc3 line.

Typical Tactical Motifs

…f4 & …Qg5: Black piles up on g2 and h2, sometimes sacrificing on f3.
Central fork: After 4.exf5 e4! Black may chase the f3-knight with …d5, gaining time.
Dark-square pressure: The bishop on c5 or b4 often pins the knight, while …Qh4+ forces weaknesses.

Interesting Facts

Howard Staunton, 19th-century world champion in effect, dismissed 3…f5 as “gross”, yet Steinitz later analyzed it favorably.
Grandmaster Alexander Shirov is one of the gambit’s modern champions; his sparkling victories keep it in theoretical debate.
A computer search reveals that Black scores roughly 49–50% in master practice—quite high for a gambit once labeled dubious.