The Ruy López

The Ruy López

History Of The Ruy Lopez

The opening bears the name of Ruy López de Segura, a Spanish priest from the 16th century who

made a book on chess in 1561

Morphy's Defence: 

Morphy's defense is named after Paul Morphy

The most commonly played the third move for Black is the Morphy Defence, 3... a6, a move which forces White to decide whether to retreat or to exchange for Black's knight. White must take some care not to fall into the Noah's Ark Trap, in which Black traps White's king bishop on the b3-square with a ...a6, ...b5, and ...c4 pawn advance on the queenside. Ercole del Rio, in his 1750 treatise Sopra il giuoco degli Scacchi, Osservazioni pratiche dell'anonimo Modenese (On the game of Chess, practical Observations by an anonymous Modenese), was the first author to mention 3...a6. The move became popular after it was played by Paul Morphy, however, and it is named for him. Steinitz did not approve of the move, in 1889, he wrote, on principle, this ought to be disadvantageous as it drives the bishop where it wants to go. 

Variations In The Morphy's Defence 3...a6

Morphy Defence: alternatives to Closed Defence

After 3...a6, the most commonly played line is the Closed Defence, which goes 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7, discussed in the two following sections. Alternatives to the Closed Defence:

• 4.Bxc6 (Exchange Variation)
• 4.Ba4
  • 4...b5 5.Bb3 Na5 (Norwegian Defence)
  • 4...b5 5.Bb3 Bc5 (Graz Defence)
  • 4...b5 5.Bb3 Bb7 (Caro Variation)
  • 4...Bc5 (Classical Defence Deferred)
  • 4...Nge7 (Cozio Defence Deferred)
  • 4...g6 (Fianchetto Defence Deferred)
  • 4...f5 (Schliemann Defence Deferred)
  • 4...d6 (Modern Steinitz Defence)
  • 4...Nf6 5.Nc3 (Ruy Lopez Four Knights Variation)
  • 4...Nf6 5.Qe2 (Wormald Attack)
  • 4...Nf6 5.d4 (Mackenzie Variation)
  • 4...Nf6 5.d3 (Anderssen Variation)
  • 4...Nf6 5.0-0 d6 (Russian Defence)
  • 4...Nf6 5.0-0 Bc5 (Møller Defence)
  • 4...Nf6 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3 Bb7 (Arkhangelsk Defence)
  • 4...Nf6 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 (Modern Arkhangelsk Defence)
  • 4...Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4 (Open Defence)

Marshal Attack:

One of Black's more aggressive variations is the Marshall Attack: after 3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 Black plays the gambit 8...d5, sacrificing a pawn. The mainline begins with 9.exd5 Nxd5 (9...e4?!, the Herman Steiner variation, is considered weaker) 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 c6 (Marshall's original moves, 11...Nf6, and 11...Bb7 are considered inferior but have also made good results at top levels of play for Black. This opening was made by Frank Marshal

Other Variations

Trajković Variation: 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 Bb7

An alternative to 6...d6 is 6...b5 7.Bb3 Bb7. This is known as the Trajković Variation. Black can sacrifice a pawn with 8.c3 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 Nf4.

Worrall Attack: 6.Qe2

In the Worrall Attack White substitutes 6.Qe2 for 6.Re1. The idea is that the queen will support the e-pawn, leaving the rook free to move to d1 to support the advance of the d-pawn, although there is not always time for this. Play normally continues 6...b5 7.Bb3 followed by 7...0-0 8.c3 and 8...d5 or 8...d6.

Modern Line: 6.d3

By playing 6.d3 White steers clear of the Marshall Attack and any of the Anti-Marshall lines. White threatens 7.Bxc6 winning the e5-pawn leaving Black a choice of either 6...d6 or 6...b5. After 6...d6 the e5-pawn is firmly defended and Black threatens to trade off White's Ruy Lopez bishop with 7...b5 and 8...Na5. White normally continues with 7.c3 and after 8...0-0 White can choose between 9.Nbd2 or 9 Re1. Black can also play 6...b5 and after 7.Bb3 d6 White has to deal with the threat of 8...Na5 by playing 8.a3 (8.c3 or 8 a4 are perfectly playable as well) and after 8...0-0

Chigorin Variation: 9.h3 Na5

The Chigorin Variation was refined by Mikhail Chigorin around the turn of the 20th century and became the primary Black defense to the Ruy Lopez for more than fifty years. With 9...Na5 Black chases the white bishop from the a2–g8 diagonal and frees the c-pawn for queenside expansion. After 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 the classical Black follow-up is 11...Qc7, reinforcing e5 and placing the queen on the c-file which may later become open after ...cxd4. Other Black moves in this position are 11...Bb7 and 11...Nd7

Kholmov Variation: 9.h3 Be6

The Kholmov Variation, 9...Be6, was popular in the 1980s but is now rarely played. The mainline runs 10.d4 Bxb3 11.axb3 (11.Qxb3 is another option) exd4 12.cxd4 d5 13.e5 Ne4 14.Nc3 f5 15.exf6 Bxf6 16.Nxe4 dxe4 17.Rxe4 Qd5 18.Rg4, when it has been shown that White's extra pawn is more valuable than Black's more active and harmonized pieces.

Zaitsev Variation 9. h3, Bb7

The Zaitsev Variation (also called the Flohr–Zaitsev Variation) was created by Igor Zaitsev, who was one of Karpov's trainers for many years. A Karpov favorite, the Zaitsev remains one of the most important variations of the Ruy Lopez. With 9...Bb7 Black prepares to put more pressure on e4 after 10.d4 Re8 11.Nbd2 Bf8, when play can become very sharp and tactical. One drawback of this line if Black is playing for a win is that White can force Black to choose a different defense or allow a draw by repetition of position with 11.Ng5 Rf8 12.Nf3. Today the theory in the Zaitsev variations extends beyond the middlegame, and it is rarely seen at the top levels because of the need to remember a lot of theory.

Smyslov Variation: 9.h3 h6

The Smyslov Variation is a plan similar to that of the Zaitsev Variation. With 9...h6 Black prepares to play 10...Re8 and 11...Bf8 without fear of 10.Ng5. The loss of a tempo with 9...h6 gives White enough time to complete the Nbd2–f1–g3 manoeuver, and the pawn move can also weaken Black's kingside. The Zaitsev can be considered to be an improved Smyslov in which Black tries to save a tempo by ..h6.

Black defenses other than 3...a6

Of the variations in this section, the Berlin and Schliemann Defences are the most popular today, followed by the Classical Defence.

• 3...Nge7 (Cozio Defence)
• 3...g6 (Smyslov or Fianchetto Defence)
• 3...Nd4 (Bird's Defence)
• 3...d6 (Steinitz Defence)
• 3...f5!? (Schliemann Defence)
• 3...Bc5 (Classical or Cordel Defence)
• 3...Nf6 (Berlin Defence)

Cozio Defence: 3...Nge7

The Cozio Defence (part of ECO C60), 3...Nge7, is distinctly old-fashioned and the least popular of the defenses at Black's third move. Although Bent Larsen used it occasionally with success, it remains one of the least explored variations of the Ruy Lopez.

Smyslov Defence: 3...g6

The Smyslov Defence, Fianchetto Defence, Barnes Defence, or Pillsbury Defence 3...g6, is a quiet positional system played occasionally by Vasily Smyslov and Boris Spassky, becoming popular in the 1980s when it was shown that 4.c3 a6! gives Black a good game.

It was later discovered that 4.d4 exd4 5.Bg5 gives White the advantage, and as such the variation is rarely played today. An interesting gambit line 4.d4 exd4 5.c3 has also been recommended by Alexander Khalifman, although some of the resulting positions have yet to be extensively tested.

Bird's Defence: 3...Nd4

Bird's Defence 3...Nd4, is an uncommon variation in modern chess. With careful play White is held to gain an advantage. The best moves are 4.Nxd4 exd4 5.0-0 Bc5 6.d3 c6 7.Ba4 Ne7.

This defense was published in 1843 in Paul Rudolf von Bilguer's Handbuch des Schachspiels and explored by Henry Bird in the late 19th century.

Steinitz Defence: 3...d6

The Steinitz Defence (also called the Old Steinitz Defence) 3...d6, is solid but passive and cramped. Although the favorite of the first world champion Wilhelm Steinitz, and often played by world champions and expert defensive players Emanuel Lasker, José Capablanca, and occasionally by Vasily Smyslov, it largely fell into disuse after World War I, as its inherent passivity spurred a search for more active means of defending the Spanish.

White's most direct approach is 4.d4 immediately challenging Black's pawn on e5, while 4.c3 and 4.0-0 remain viable alternatives. Following 4.d4, Black proceeds with 4...Bd7 which breaks the pin but also defends against White's threat of winning a pawn with 5.Bxc6 and 6.dxe5. Next White plays 5.Nc3 protecting e4 and renewing the threat of winning a pawn to which Black responds with 5...Nf6. After 6.0-0 Be7 7.Re1 Black is forced to concede the center with 7...exd4, since 7...0-0? leads to the Tarrasch Trap.

The Modern Steinitz Defense (3...a6 4.Ba4 d6) offers Black a freer position and is more popular.

Schliemann Defence: 3...f5

The Schliemann Defence or Schliemann–Jaenisch Gambit 3...f5, is a sharp line in which Black plays for a kingside attack, frequently sacrificing one or two pawns. This variation was originated by Carl Jaenisch in 1847 and is sometimes named after him. Although later named for German lawyer Adolf Karl Wilhelm Schliemann (1817–1872), the line Schliemann actually played in the 1860s was a gambit variation of the Cordel Defence (3...Bc5 4.c3 f5). The most common responses for White to 3...f5!? are 4.d3 or 4.Nc3, with play after 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 going 5...d5, with great complications to follow, or 5...Nf6, which generally leads to quieter play. This line is considered to be a good practical weapon, but is positionally risky, especially against a strong and prepared opponent.

Classical Defence: 3...Bc5

The Classical Defence or Cordel Defence 3...Bc5, is possibly the oldest defense to the Ruy Lopez and has been played occasionally by former world champion Boris Spassky and Boris Gulko. White's most common reply is 4.c3, when Black may choose to play 4...f5, the Cordel Gambit, leading to sharp play, after which 5.d4 is considered the strongest reply. More solid for Black is 4...Nf6, when 5.0-0 0-0 6.d4 Bb6 leads to the Benelux Variation. White's principal alternative to 4.c3 is 4.0-0, when Black can transpose to the Classical Berlin with 4...Nf6 or play 4...Nd4, which is not so bad for Black.

An alternative for White is the fork trick 4.Nxe5. Few games have been played with this line, but there is no clear refutation for Black. The name derives from White's play if Black captures the knight: 4...Nxe5 5.d4.

Berlin Defence: 3...Nf6

The Berlin Defence, 3...Nf6, has long had a reputation for solidity and is commonly referred to as "the Berlin Wall". The Berlin Defence was played in the late 19th century and early 20th century by Emanuel Lasker and others, who typically answered 4.0-0 with 4...d6 in the style of the Steinitz Defence. This approach ultimately fell out of favor, as had the old form of the Steinitz, and the entire variation became rare. Arthur Bisguier played Berlin for decades, but always chose the variation 4.0-0 Nxe4. Ever since Vladimir Kramnik successfully used the line as a drawing weapon against Garry Kasparov in their 2000 World Chess Championship match, the Berlin has experienced a remarkable renaissance: even players with a dynamic style such as Alexei Shirov, Veselin Topalov, Hikaru Nakamura, and Kasparov himself have tried it, and Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand both used it (Carlsen extensively so) during the 2013 World Chess Championship and 2014 World Chess Championship. Today this variation is the most common opening after 1.e4 e5 and almost all the top players regularly play it.

White's move 4.Nc3 transposes to the Four Knights Game, Spanish Variation Since Black's third move does not threaten to win the e-pawn—if Black captures it, White will win back the pawn on e5 White usually castles. After 4.0-0, Black can play either the solid 4...Nxe4 (the Berlin Main Variation) or the more combative 4...Bc5 (the Berlin Classical Variation). After 4...Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 (5...Be7 is the Rio de Janeiro Variation) 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 l'Hermet Variation, White is considered to have a small advantage from a somewhat better pawn structure and Black's awkwardly placed king. Black, by way of compensation, possesses the bishop pair and has no positional

weaknesses, so it is difficult for White to exploit the structural superiority without opening the game for Black's bishops; all four of the games in the Kasparov–Kramnik match in which this line was employed ended in draws. An alternative for Black, though seldom seen since the 1890s, is 6...bxc6 7.dxe5 Nb7, although White keeps an advantage despite Black's two bishops, as it is difficult for him to gain active counterplay. However, despite its drawish tendency, the Berlin Endgame remains the sternest test of the entire variation beginning with 3...Nf6, and a lot of theory has evolved here. Today's consensus is that Black will hold with accurate play in the Berlin Endgame, so players have moved on to the lines with 4.0-0 Nxe4 5.Re1, the modern mainline, considered to be White's best try for an opening advantage, and advocated by Fabiano Caruana in his Chessbase Series on the Ruy Lopez opening.

An important alternative is 4.d3, dubbed the Anti-Berlin, which avoids the notorious Berlin endgame. Wilhelm Steinitz scored many spectacular successes with it during his reign as World Champion. The main replies for Black are 4...d6 and 4...Bc5, the latter being more popular. White's most important continuations after 4...Bc5 is 5.0-0, 5.Bxc6, and 5.c3. An uncommon reply to 4.d3 is 4...Ne7, which tries to set up the Mortimer Trap.

Another alternative is playing 4.Bxc6 immediately. The main replies for Black are 4...dxc6 and 4...bxc6, the latter of which is playable in the Berlin Defense, unlike the Exchange Variation in the Morphy Defense. This may transpose into the Anti-Berlin above if White continues with 5.d3, or in the case of 4...bxc6, to the mainline with 5.0-0 Nxe4 or 5.d4 Nxe4, but White has other continuations to 4...bxc6, such as 5.Nc3, and Black has other replies to both 5.0-0 and 5.d4.

Less-common third moves for Black:

• 3...Bb4 (Alapin Defence)
• 3...Qf6 (Gunderam Variation)
• 3...f6 (Nuremberg Defence)
• 3...Qe7 (Vinogradov Variation)
• 3...Na5 (Pollock's Defence)
• 3...g5 (Brentano Defence)
• 3...b6? (Rotary Defence or Albany Defence)
• 3...d5? (Sawyer's Gambit or Spanish Countergambit)
• 3...Be7 (Lucena Defence)
• 3...a5 (Bulgarian Variation)

Info from Wikipedia

That's It! Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it and I will be making more of these opening variation posts soon I hope you learned something new and will use it in your games cya!