ECO code: C62
Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.Bxc6+
The Old Steinitz variation of the Spanish Opening arises after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.Bxc6+. Here, White chooses to capture Black's knight on c6 early, exchanging bishop for knight.
Characteristic of the move: The immediate capture 4.Bxc6+ is a distinctive feature of this line. By exchanging on c6, White inflicts structural damage on Black's pawn formation, typically doubling Black's c-pawns after ...bxc6. This capture aims to weaken Black’s pawn structure and create targets, but it also relinquishes the pressure of the bishop on the knight and the center.
Attacking or defensive nature: For White, this move is generally considered positional and somewhat attacking. White seeks to compromise Black’s pawn structure and limit Black’s central and queenside counterplay. For Black, the response is more solid and defensive, aiming to capitalize on the bishop pair and maintain a strong center despite the pawn weaknesses.
Center control: While White does not directly attack the center with this move, the structural damage to Black's pawns can indirectly influence control of the center by restricting Black’s pawn breaks and piece activity. Black, on the other hand, maintains a strong pawn presence in the center with pawns on e5 and d6.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.Bxc6+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 24 - Move #7 black