Bishop's Opening: Lopez Variation

Bishop's Opening: Lopez Variation

Definition

The Bishop's Opening: Lopez Variation is a branch of the Bishop’s Opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6. By challenging the e4-pawn at once with ...Nf6, Black steers the game into positions that can resemble the Ruy Lopez (hence the name “Lopez Variation”) while the bishop on c4 keeps an eye on the vulnerable f7-square. ECO codes C23–C24 usually cover this variation.

Typical Move Orders & Branches

After 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 the main continuations for White are:

• 3.Nf3 – development with a possible transposition to the Ruy Lopez after 3…Nc6 4.Bb5, or to a Two Knights Defence after 3…Bc5.
• 3.d3 – calmly protecting e4, retaining the bishop on c4 and leading to an Italian-Game–style position with flexible pawn structures.
• 3.Nc3 – supporting the centre and keeping options open for a later f2-f4 pawn thrust (the Ponziani-flavoured approach).

Strategic Themes

• King-side pressure: White’s bishop on c4 targets f7; early Nf3, Ng5 or Qf3/Qh5 can create mating threats if Black is careless.
• Central tension: The e4-pawn is immediately attacked. Whether White defends it with d3, Nc3, or Nf3 often dictates the pawn structure and pace of the middlegame.
• Transpositional richness: The game can transpose into the Ruy Lopez, the Two Knights Defence, the Ponziani, or quieter Italian structures, giving both sides considerable room to choose their favourite setups.
• Piece activity vs. structural solidity: Black’s …Nf6 gains time on the e-pawn but slightly lags behind in developing the queen’s knight or bishop. White decides whether to maintain the bishop on c4 (dynamic) or trade it with Bb5 (structural).

Historical Significance

Ruy López de Segura (16th century) analysed both 2.Bb5 and 2.Bc4 and advocated answering 2…Nf6 with 3.Nc3, which is why the line still bears his name. Although eclipsed for many years by the more popular Italian Game and Ruy Lopez, the Lopez Variation experienced a modern renaissance in rapid and blitz play thanks to its flexibility and the surprise value of the early Bc4.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short encounter shows a thematic attacking idea when Black is inattentive:

In this (instructive rather than flawless) skirmish White’s pressure on f7 and superior development lead to a swift king-side attack.

Typical Plans for White

1. Secure the e4-pawn (d3, Nc3, or Nf3) and complete development with O-O.
2. Pressure f7 via Bc4, Qf3/Qh5, and sometimes Ng5.
3. In lines with 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Bb5, aim for familiar Ruy Lopez plans: c3–d4 pawn break or queens-side expansion with a2-a4.
4. In quieter setups, manoeuvre for central breaks with c3-d4 or f2-f4.

Typical Plans for Black

1. Challenge the centre with …c6 and …d5 or the classical …Bc5 setup.
2. Maintain flexibility: …Be7 and a later …c6–d5 is common in 3.d3 lines.
3. When White plays 4.Bb5, choose between Ruy Lopez defences such as the Berlin-style …Nxe4 or the solid …Be7.
4. Watch out for early tactics on f7; accurate calculation in the opening is essential.

Famous Examples

• Magnus Carlsen – Hikaru Nakamura, Paris GCT Blitz 2016: Carlsen used 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 to reach a manoeuvring endgame he later converted with trademark technique.
• Adolf Anderssen – Bernhard Horwitz, London 1851: one of the earliest recorded games featuring 2.Bc4 Nf6, showcasing sacrificial possibilities on f7 long before modern theory.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Bb5 is literally “one move removed” from the classical Ruy Lopez, many databases list those positions under both openings. Some grandmasters use this trick to avoid opponents’ deep Ruy Lopez preparation.
• Garry Kasparov occasionally employed 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 in simultaneous exhibitions, remarking that “the Bishop’s Opening keeps more pieces on the board, making the game lively for the audience.”
• The Lopez Variation is a favourite among correspondence players because of its huge transpositional tree, which can steer the game into less-analysed by-ways even with engine assistance.

Related Openings & Transpositions

• Italian Game: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 – can arise after 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Nc3 Bc5.
• Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, reached via 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Bb5.
• Two Knights Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6, closely related but with White’s knight already on f3.

Whether you are looking for an aggressive weapon, a practical surprise, or a flexible route back into mainstream theory, the Bishop’s Opening: Lopez Variation remains a time-tested choice that can perplex the unprepared and reward the well-versed.