It is passive as hell. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 O-O? is probably the opening trap that needs the most moves to justify, but Black should let a pawn go to avoid losing the exchange.
That being said, the opening is not that bad. It was played by Stenitiz, Lasker and Capablanca. White keeps a space advantage in the center and a stable advantage, but converting it is not always easy.
Hey look it has actually been played recently:
At the higher levels doesnt offer many winning chances for black, it is like the lasker defense to the queens gambit, it is basically a drawing line, but
at the ower levels it is fine for players who like a solid game, or dont mind defending
later
The "deferred Steinitz" (inserting 3...a6 4.Ba4 before 4...d6) is a very legit way to play as Black. The original Steinitz is solid, but passive and rather too compliant.
I can't find a win in the line 35. Qf5+ Kc7 36. Qa5+ Kd6 37. Rd8+ Rd7 38. Qb4+ c5.
38...Ke5 39. Qc5+ Ke6 (39...Kxe4 40. Qxc4+ Kf5 41 Qc5+ [41. Qg4+ Kf6 42. Qxd7?? Qxf2+ with a perptual and 41. Rxd7?? Qxf2+ would be sad at this point] 41...Re5 42. Rxe5 cxe5 43. b4 just marching down the board and threatening c4. I think this is totally won due to the strenght of the passed pawn. 40. Qxc6+ Qd6 41. Qxc4+ Ke7 42. Rxd7+ Qxd7 the two outside passed pawns are very potent.
I can't believe I am trying look at lines 20 plys deep without a board or computer and expect what I see to make sense, but here it is anyway.
This variation of the Ruy Lopez has fallen out of favor since World War 1 because it is viewed as "weak." Can anyone explain for me why? What is white's best way to capitalize on this intrinsic weakness?