A more positional approach where White maintains the tension longer.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 - See Schmidt Variation introduction.
5.Nc3 - White develops without exchanging on c6, maintaining the tension and flexibility.
5...Bb4 - Black pins the knight, creating pressure on e4 and the center.
6.Nxc6 - Now White exchanges, when Black must recapture and cannot maintain the pin.
6...bxc6 - Black gets doubled pawns but keeps the bishop pair.
7.Bd3 - White develops the bishop actively, targeting the kingside and supporting e4.
White's plan: Develop pieces harmoniously, castle quickly, use the slightly better pawn structure.
Black's plan: Complete development with ...d6 or ...d5, challenge White's center, use the bishop pair.
Assessment: More positional than the main line. Good for players who prefer strategic battles.
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