Ruy Lopez: Schliemann, 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5

Ruy Lopez: Schliemann, 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5

Definition

The line begins with the classical Spanish Opening (Ruy Lopez) and quickly transposes into the Schliemann Defence (also called the Jaenisch Gambit) after Black’s bold 3…f5. The specific sequence 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5 is a sharp sub-variation in which:

• White develops the knight to c3 instead of the traditional 4.d3 or 4.exf5, immediately reinforcing e4 and preparing central pressure.
• Black captures on e4 (4…fxe4) and strikes back with 5…d5 to seize space and open lines for the light-squared bishop.
• After 6.Nxe5 White regains the pawn, entering a double-edged middlegame where both sides have chances.

Move Order in Context

The complete initial sequence is:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 f5 – the Schliemann Defence (ECO C63).
4. Nc3 – the modern main line aiming to keep central tension.
5. fxe4 – Black accepts the challenge.
6. Nxe4 d5 – counter-striking in the centre.
7. Nxe5 – White captures a pawn and targets c6 & f7.

Typical Ideas & Plans

• For Black
  • Rapid development: …Ng8-f6, …Bf8-d6, and short castling.
  • Pressure on the e4/e5 squares and the f-file; sometimes …Qf6 or …Qg5 appears quickly.
  • Dynamic compensation (activity and open lines) rather than long-term structural soundness.
• For White
  • Exploit Black’s loosened kingside (the advance …f5 and missing f-pawn).
  • Central break with d2-d4, often supported by c2-c4, to undermine Black’s pawn chain.
  • Knight hops to g3 or c5, eyeing f7 and b7.

Strategic & Historical Significance

The Schliemann Defence dates back to the 1850s and was analysed by German master Adolf Schliemann and by Russian theoretician Carl Jaenisch. Although long regarded as slightly dubious, computer engines and modern grandmasters have revived it as a surprise weapon that avoids the heavily trodden paths of the “Berlin Wall.” The 4.Nc3 line is currently one of White’s most respected tries, keeping material balance and aiming for a small positional edge.

Illustrative Example

A frequently cited game featuring the exact move order is:

Teimour Radjabov – Fabiano Caruana, Wijk aan Zee 2012

• Black’s energetic 7…Qe7 keeps material equality.
• The game ended in a hard-fought draw after 31 moves, illustrating the variation’s resilience for Black.

Common Tactical Motifs

• Forks on c6/e5 – White’s knight on e5 often eyes both c6 and f7.
• Back-rank tricks – With the f-file open, tactics against an uncastled king appear for either side.
• Pin on the a4-e8 diagonal – The bishop from b5 or a4 can create tactical pressure if Black isn’t careful.
• Zwischenzug on e4 – Moves like Nxe4 or dxe4 intermezzi decide several forcing lines.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• GM Teimour Radjabov famously used the Schliemann to defeat Garry Kasparov in Linares 2003 (though from a different sub-line), prompting Kasparov to quip that “the opening is unsound – except when Radjabov plays it!”
• The move 4.Nc3 was popularised by GM Sergey Dolmatov in the 1990s as a safer alternative to the razor-sharp 4.d4.
• The variation occasionally transposes to a reversed French Defence structure after …dxe4 and …e5–e4; knowing French themes helps both sides.

Practical Tips

• Memorise forcing lines only up to move 10–12; thereafter rely on general principles—piece activity rules the day.
• With White, do not fear giving back the e5-knight if it opens the centre (e.g., 7…Qe7 8.d4!).
• With Black, avoid premature exchanges that relieve White’s central pressure; keep pieces on and aim for counterplay along the f-file.

Further Study

Look up the games of Radjabov, Nakamura, and Adams for modern model play with Black, and the analyses of GM John Shaw’s “The King’s Gambit” (which includes a large Schliemann chapter) for theoretical depth.