White: J. R. Capablanca. Black: E. A. Snosko-Borovski.

1. P - Q 4 P - K 3
2. P - K 4 P - Q 4
3. Kt - Q B 3 Kt - K B 3
4. B - Kt 5 B - Kt 5

This constitutes the McCutcheon Variation. It aims at taking the initiative away from White. Instead

of defending, Black makes a counter demonstration on the Queen's side. It leads to highly interesting games.

5. P × P

At the time this game was played the variation 5 P - K 5 was in vogue, but I considered then, as I do now, the text move to be the stronger.

5. ........ Q × P

This is considered superior to P × P. It has for its object, as I said before, to take the initiative away from White by disrupting White's Queen's side. White, however, has more than ample compensation through his breaking up Black's King's side. It might be laid down as a principle of the opening that the breaking up of the King's side is of more importance than a similar occurrence on the Queen's side.

6. B × Kt B × Kt ch
7. P × B P × B
8. Kt - B 3 P - Q Kt 3

The plan of Black in this variation is to post his Bishop on the long diagonal so as to be able later on, in conjunction with the action of his Rooks along the open K Kt's file, to make a violent attack against White's King. It is, of course, expected that White will Castle on the King's side because of the broken-up condition of his Queen's side Pawns.