Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nf3/3...Nf6/4. Nc3/4...dxc4/5. a4/5...Bg4

Steiner variation D16 Alapin variation 5...Bg4 · Steiner variation Instead of the usual 5...Bf5, Black opts to put the bishop on g4, harassing White's knight. However, because the e-pawn hasn't advanced, the knight isn't actually pinned to the queen, so White can play 6. Ne5 with a tempo on the Bishop. After the bishop retreats with 6...Bh5, White has the option to go for either 7. f3, preparing e4, or 7. g3, preparing to fianchetto. Theory table 0 6. Ne5 Bh5 7. f3 Nfd7 8. Nxc4 e5 + 6. ... ... 7. ... e6 8. g4 Nd5 ++ 6. ... ... 7. g3 e6 8. Bg2 Bb4 + References See also