Ruy Lopez Opening Jaenisch Schonemann Attack
Ruy Lopez Opening – Jaenisch (Gambit / Schliemann) Schönemann Attack (ECO C63)
Definition
The Jaenisch Schönemann Attack is a sharp sub-variation of the Ruy Lopez that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.Nc3. • 3…f5 is the Jaenisch (or Schliemann) Gambit, an aggressive attempt by Black to seize the initiative at the cost of loosening the kingside. • With 4.Nc3 White sidesteps the most theoretical pawn-sacrifice lines, reinforces the e4-pawn, and keeps the middlegame options of d2-d4 or d2-d3 open. The position after 4.Nc3 is catalogued under the ECO code C63 and is commonly called the “Schönemann Variation” or “Schönemann Attack” within the Jaenisch Gambit.
Typical Move-Order
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 (Jaenisch / Schliemann Gambit) 4. Nc3 (Schönemann Attack) From here play often continues
- 4…fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nc3 (or 6.Ng3) leading to highly unbalanced positions, or
- 4…Nf6 5.d3 Bb4 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.0-0, when Black gains rapid development in exchange for a slightly weakened pawn structure.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension. By supporting the pawn on e4, White aims to maintain a strong centre and delay the decision of whether to exchange on f5 or break with d4.
- Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure. Black’s early f-pawn advance creates space and open lines for the pieces (especially the queen and rook on f8) but leaves holes on e6 and g6 and can weaken the king once castled.
- Flexible Development. The knight on c3 keeps options open: it can jump to d5, support a later b2-b4, or be re-routed via e2-g3 against Black’s king.
- Open f-file Battles. In many lines the f-file is half-open for both sides. Control of f7–f2 squares and potential rook lifts (Rf8-f6-h6) are recurring motifs.
Historical Notes
• The gambit was first analysed by the 19th-century theoretician Carl Ferdinand von Jänisch, after whom it is named. • The 4.Nc3 refinement was explored by German master Wilhelm Schönemann (hence the double-barrelled name) and appeared in German tournament praxis around the 1880s. • Modern grandmasters such as Alexei Shirov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Arkadij Naiditsch have revived the line, armed with engine preparation that demonstrates the gambit’s practical value in rapid and classical play.
Illustrative Game
Shirov vs. Mamedyarov, European Club Cup 2003. Black equalised swiftly and later won after sacrificial play on the kingside – a showcase of the gambit’s dynamic potential.
Practical Tips
- For White: Aim to castle quickly; the f-file can open at any moment. Be ready to meet …fxe4 with Nxe4 or d2-d3 ideas to keep a healthy centre.
- For Black: Time is critical—complete development (…Nf6, …Bc5 or …Bb4, …0-0) before embarking on direct attacks. Do not mind doubled c-pawns; they often give open lines for the bishops.
- Engine assistance is valuable: many positions are tactically loaded and one tempo can overturn an evaluation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 3…f5 was once considered “unsound” by Tarrasch (“moves the wrong pawn!”), yet modern computers rate it close to equal with best play.
- Magnus Carlsen used the gambit (though not the 4.Nc3 line) in a 2014 blitz game, joking afterward that it gave “more fun per square inch than the Berlin.”
- In correspondence chess, the Schönemann Attack scores better for White than the main line 4.exf5, illustrating its strategic solidity despite Black’s activity.
Why Study This Line?
The Jaenisch Schönemann Attack offers an ideal laboratory for players who enjoy imbalanced, tactical Spanish positions yet value a sound pawn structure. Learning it deepens one’s understanding of open-file warfare, dynamic compensation, and the eternal trade-off between material and initiative.