Bishops Opening Boi Lopez Variation
Bishop’s Opening – Boi (“Lopez”) Variation
Definition
The Boi Variation of the Bishop’s Opening is a double-king-pawn opening that begins 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 c6. It is classified under ECO code C24. The line is occasionally called the “Boi Lopez” because, after the preliminary development 3…c6, play can transpose into structures that closely resemble the closed Ruy Lopez, an opening made famous by the Spanish priest Ruy López. The variation itself is named after the 16-century Italian master Giovanni Leonardo da Cutro (nicknamed “Il Boi” – “the Ox”), who was one of the first to analyze the idea of quietly bolstering the center with 3…c6 before striking back with …d5.
Move-Order Table
- e4 e5
- Bc4 Nf6 – Black chooses the robust Berlin Defence set-up.
- d3 c6 – The defining Boi move. Black prepares …d5 while keeping the c-pawn out of the bishop’s sight.
- Nf3 d5
- Bb3 Bd6 (or 5…Be7) – Typical positions.
Strategic Ideas
-
For White
- Maintain a flexible, Ruy Lopez-like structure without committing the d-pawn to d4 too early.
- Point the bishop on c4 (later b3) at f7 to create latent tactical threats if Black ever loses control of the dark squares.
- Proceed with quiet development: 0-0, Re1, Nbd2, sometimes c3 & d4 in one hit.
-
For Black
- Use …c6 and …d5 to seize central space and chase the c4-bishop to a less active square.
- Maintain the Berlin knight on f6 to control e4 and discourage early kingside aggression.
- Choose between solid lines (…Be7, …0-0) and more ambitious set-ups (…Bd6, …Qc7, …Nbd7) aiming for a later …f5 break.
Typical Plans and Tactics
- c3–d4 pawn lever: After Re1 & Nbd2, White can hit the center in one move, copying main-line Ruy Lopez ideas.
- …d5 break: Black’s raison d’être for 3…c6. If executed under good conditions, Black equalizes comfortably.
- Bishop pair vs. structure: The early Bc4 often secures the bishop pair, but Black generally enjoys a sturdier pawn chain.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
In the 19th century the Bishop’s Opening was considered a
romantic
weapon aimed at f7. The Boi Variation added a layer of
positional depth, allowing Black to blunt that pressure without rushing into
the symmetrical …Bc5 lines. Modern engines evaluate the main positions as
roughly equal, but practical experience shows that many Ruy Lopez players
are happy to reach familiar structures while sidestepping
Berlin theory after 3…Nxe4 4.Qh5 etc.
Illustrative Games
1. K. Kramnik – A. Kaidanov, Dortmund 1998 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 c6 4.Nf3 d5 5.Bb3 Bd6 6.0-0 0-0 A textbook demonstration of how White can maneuver into a slow, Ruy-Lopez-type middlegame. Kramnik eventually converted the bishop pair in a long endgame.
2. M. Carlsen – L. Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2011 Carlsen repeated the Boi idea to keep Aronian guessing in the opening, later steering the game into a queenless middlegame he eventually won. (Full PGN omitted for brevity.)
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Giovanni Leonardo (“Il Boi”) won one of the earliest recorded international chess matches against Ruy López himself in 1575, so the hybrid name “Boi Lopez” is a playful nod to their historical rivalry.
- Grandmasters who regularly dip into the Boi Variation include Vladimir Kramnik, Baadur Jobava, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, often as a surprise weapon against well-prepared Berlin specialists.
- In Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1997), Garry briefly considered the Boi setup as an anti-computer line because of its quiet, maneuvering nature, though it never appeared on the board.
Summary
The Bishop’s Opening – Boi (Lopez) Variation offers a
classical without the theory
route to reach Ruy-Lopez-style play.
Its calm move order hides subtle strategic battles over the center and dark
squares, making it an excellent weapon for players who enjoy a
maneuver-rich middlegame and wish to avoid the labyrinth of modern
Berlin/Marshall theory.