Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Ranken Variation
ECO C48
Move order
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 a6 5. Bxc6
Ideas
ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.