Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Bb5/3...a6/4. Ba4/4...Nf6/5. O-O/5...Be7/6. Re1/6...b5/7. Bb3/7...O-O/8. c3/8...d5/9. exd5/9...e4

Steiner variation Marshall Attack C89 9...e4?! · Steiner variation This aggressive move, attacking the Nf3, is rarely seen in high-level master play, however at amateur levels, the Steiner variation has given Black surprising success. 10. dxc6 is the best and most popular move, trading knights. However, this scores very poorly for White due to plenty of tricks that may arise after 10...exf3 11. Qxf3?! Bg4. 10. Ng5!? is scores well at club level, however after 10...Na5! Black is objectively better as they are threatening to receive the bishop pair. Theory table 10111213Steiner variationdxc6 exf3g3 Re8d4 Bg4Bf4 Nd5±Steiner variationdxc6 exf3Qxf3?! Bg4Qg3 Bd6f4 Re8=Steiner variationdxc6 exf3Qxf3?! Bg4Qe3?? Re8Qd4 Qxd4∓Steiner variationNg5!? Na5Nxe4 Nxe4Rxe4 Bb7d4 Nxb3= References