Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Jaenisch Gambit Accepted
Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Jaenisch Gambit Accepted
Definition
The Schliemann Defense—more commonly called the Jaenisch Gambit—appears in the Ruy Lopez after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5. If White accepts the pawn with 4. exf5 the variation is classified as the Jaenisch Gambit Accepted (ECO C63).
Typical Move-Order
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. exf5
Strategic Themes
- Black’s Initiative: 3…f5 grabs space, threatens …e4, and opens the f-file, but concedes a pawn.
- White’s Extra Pawn: The material edge is real; precise defence usually yields a favourable end-game.
- King-Safety Imbalance: …f5 weakens Black’s own king. Both sides race to castle and seize the f-file.
- Central Tension: The pawn on e4 (if advanced) cramps White; manoeuvres often revolve around breaking or defending that pawn.
Main Continuations for Black after 4.exf5
- 4…e4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.Bxc6 dxc6 – the most theoretical line, aiming to trap the f-pawn and dominate dark squares.
- 4…Nf6 5.O-O e4 6.Re1 Be7 – a slower build-up with comparable ideas.
- 4…d6 5.d4 e4 6.d5 – an ultra-sharp pawn storm where both kings can become targets.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following 12-move fragment displays typical motifs: Black sacrifices a pawn, obtains an active queen and open lines, while White strives to consolidate and later exploit the extra material.
Typical Plans
- Black
- Strike with …e4 to cramp White’s knight and center.
- Develop rapidly: …Nf6, …Bc5 or …Bb4+, and castle (usually short, sometimes long).
- Target f2 via …Qh4, …Bxf2+, or tactical blows on the e-file.
- White
- Return material if needed to defuse the initiative (moves like d2-d4 or Bxc6).
- Castle quickly, place a rook on the f-file, and aim for piece exchanges.
- If the storm passes, convert the extra pawn in a simplified middlegame or endgame.
Historical & Modern Usage
• Named for 19-century analysts Carl Jaenisch and Adolf Schliemann.
• Revived by creative fighters such as Teimour Radjabov, Alexei Shirov, and Alexander Morozevich.
• Radjabov famously defeated World Champion Vishy Anand with the gambit at Amber 2005 (blindfold section).
Interesting Tidbits
- José R. Capablanca once joked, “The Schliemann is sound—provided White misplays!”
- Because Black sacrifices a pawn immediately, engines evaluate the starting position around +0.60 for White; nevertheless, practical results are close to 50 % thanks to the surprise value.
- The structure often mirrors a reversed King’s Gambit, giving Schliemann devotees a ready-made attacking repertoire with either color.
Summary
Accepting the Jaenisch Gambit leads to sharp, asymmetrical battles where Black wagers a pawn for speed and central control. Well-prepared White players can neutralize the attack, but the line remains a potent surprise weapon—especially in rapid and blitz—thanks to its rich tactical possibilities and relative rarity.