The Pseudo-Spanish Variation^[1] is an offbeat sideline in the Nimzowitsch Defence. The main idea is to put pressure on the c6 knight, similar to the Ruy Lopez. This also invites a transposition into the Ruy Lopez after 2...e5 3. Nf3.

2...e5^[1] is Black's most common response in amateur play, taking the center with a principled pawn push. This usually transposes into the infamous Ruy Lopez after 3. Nf3.

2...a6 attacks the bishop. White usually responds with 3. Bxc6, one of the ideas of playing Bb5, and when Black recaptures with 3...dxc6=, the position is equal but Black has the bishop pair.

2...Nd4 is a less common response, moving the knight out of the bishop's scope and attacks it instead. White then usually retreats with 3. Bc4 or 3. Ba4, trying to maintain active piece play.

2...Nf6 develops the kingside knight and attacks the e4 pawn. White's best move is to defend the pawn with 3. d3, though 3. Bxc6 trading the bishop for the knight and 3. Nc3 defending the pawn with the queenside knight have more commonly been tried.