FENr1bqkbnr/ppp2ppp/2np4/1B6/3QP3/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNB1K2R b KQkq -
Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 exd4 5.Qxd4: what should Black play?
Best move
Ne7+0.43
By playing Ne7, you solve the pin on the c6 while keeping the diagonal open for your f8. This flexible development prepares for a6 to kick the white b5 without blocking your own…
- Games played
- 1.05M
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.43
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Ne7 is the best move
Ne7! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a sophisticated solution that 0% of humans at your level typically find!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Ne7, you solve the pin on the c6 while keeping the diagonal open for your f8. This flexible development prepares for a6 to kick the white b5 without blocking your own kingside pieces.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Ne7 | +0.43 | Flexible & Prophylactic: Prepares to challenge the bishop while keeping the f-pawn mobile. |
| Nf6 | +0.47 | Classic Development: Develops toward the center and prepares immediate kingside castling. |
| Bd7 | +0.50 | Solid & Direct: The most human choice (80%), directly neutralizing the pin on c6. |
Different paths, same destination:
While Bd7 is the "obvious" choice to break the pin, your move Ne7 is more nuanced. It allows the knight to potentially swing to g6 or support a central strike. All three moves maintain the balance, but yours shows a high-level understanding of piece coordination.
Your Continuation
After Ne7:
Qe3 a6 Bc4 Be6 Bxe6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw that the pin on the c6 doesn't have to be met with a passive bishop move. By developing the other knight to e7, you protect the pinned piece while preparing to expand on the queenside with a6.
📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple "correct" moves, choose the one that fits your plan. You found a rare, engine-approved path that most players overlook!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 1.05M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bd7 | +0.50 | 0 | — | |
| Ne7Engine pick | +0.43 | 0 | — | |
| Nf6 | +0.47 | 0 | — | |
| Qd7 | +0.64 | 0 | — | |
| Be6 | +0.69 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Spanish
All Spanish positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 exd4 5.Qxd4?
Ne7 (+0.43). By playing Ne7, you solve the pin on the c6 while keeping the diagonal open for your f8. This flexible development prepares for a6 to kick the white b5 without blocking your own…
Why is Ne7 the best move here?
By playing Ne7, you solve the pin on the c6 while keeping the diagonal open for your f8. This flexible development prepares for a6 to kick the white b5 without blocking your own kingside pieces.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 1.05M times in the opening book.