Ruy Lopez Opening Morphy Defense Anderssen Variation
Ruy Lopez Opening
Definition
The Ruy Lopez is a classical chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Named after the 16-century Spanish priest and chess writer Ruy López de Segura, it is one of the oldest and most deeply analyzed openings in the game.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5
Usage and Strategic Ideas
By pinning the c6-knight, White threatens to increase pressure on the centre and ultimately capture the e5-pawn. The opening suits players who enjoy rich, strategic middlegames featuring:
- Long-term pressure on Black’s centre.
- Minor-piece battles where the two bishops often become powerful.
- Slow manoeuvring plans (e.g., the typical rook lift Re1–e3–g3).
Historical Significance
From the Immortal Game era of Anderssen to modern elite events, the Ruy Lopez has remained a mainstay. World Champions—Steinitz, Lasker, Capablanca, Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Anand, Carlsen—have all contributed to its theory. Its longevity stems from the flexible pawn structures it produces and the wide variety of defensive systems for Black.
Illustrative Mini-PGN
The diagram (if rendered) shows the famous pin on the c6-knight and the loose e5-pawn.
Interesting Facts
- In Spanish literature the opening was originally called La Apertura Española; “Ruy Lopez” became common in English in the 19th century.
- Bobby Fischer scored a phenomenal 80% with the Ruy Lopez as White in classical play.
- The longest world-championship game ever (Game 6, Carlsen–Nepomniachtchi 2021) began with a Ruy Lopez.
Morphy Defense
Definition
The Morphy Defense is Black’s most popular reply to 3.Bb5 in the Ruy Lopez and arises after 3…a6. The move immediately questions the bishop, asking White to clarify its intentions.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
Usage and Strategic Ideas
Named after Paul Morphy—who made devastating use of the defense in the 1850s—the move 3…a6 serves several functions:
- Gains space on the queenside and forces White’s bishop to decide: capture on c6 or retreat.
- Prepares …b5 to harass the bishop further and claim queenside territory.
- Maintains the central pawn tension by delaying …Nf6 or …d6 until the bishop’s fate is known.
After 4.Ba4, Black can choose from multiple setups: the Closed Defense (4…Nf6 5.O-O Be7), the Open Defense (4…Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4), the Classical Defense (4…Bc5), or less common systems like the Steinitz or Cozio Defenses.
Historical and Theoretical Importance
Because almost every world-class encounter with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 starts with 3…a6, the Morphy Defense is synonymous with “mainline Ruy Lopez.” Opening manuals devote hundreds of pages to its labyrinthine sub-variations, making it a crucial area of study for tournament players.
Example Game
Morphy vs. Anderssen, Paris 1858, featured 3…a6 and demonstrated Black’s tactical chances, even though Morphy (playing White) eventually prevailed in brilliant style.
Fun Anecdotes
- Paul Morphy reportedly introduced 3…a6 in casual games to sidestep the then-popular 3…d6 lines of the Steinitz Defense, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to space and activity.
- Statistically, 3…a6 occurs in roughly 90% of master-level Ruy Lopez games.
Anderssen Variation (of the Morphy Defense)
Definition
The Anderssen Variation is an aggressive sideline of the Morphy Defense that arises after 4.Ba4 Bc5. Its ECO code is C70.
Move Sequence
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
- Ba4 Bc5
Main Ideas and Plans
- Black develops the bishop to an active square immediately, eyeing the f2-pawn and discouraging White from castling too casually.
- The move sidesteps heavily theoretical Closed Defense positions, aiming for open, tactical play reminiscent of 19th-century romantic chess.
- Typical continuations include 5.c3 Nf6 6.d4, when fireworks in the centre are likely.
Strategic Considerations
Compared to the more popular 4…Nf6, 4…Bc5 leaves the e5-pawn undefended and can invite quick central breaks by White. However, in practical play it can be a potent surprise weapon:
- If White plays inaccurately, Black enjoys strong piece activity directed at the kingside.
- Well-timed …d5 strikes can liberate Black’s game and equalize instantly.
Historical Notes
The variation is named after Adolf Anderssen, the 19th-century German master famed for the Immortal Game. Anderssen often steered positions toward dynamic piece play, and 4…Bc5 fits that philosophy.
Illustrative Game Snapshot
The line above shows typical central tension and the latent threat against f2 that defines the variation.
Interesting Facts
- The Anderssen Variation is relatively rare today, scoring roughly 45–50% for Black in master databases—healthy for a sideline.
- GMs Shirov and Rapport have occasionally employed 4…Bc5 to avoid the mainline labyrinth and reach fighting positions.
- Because the variation can transpose into Italian-style structures, some players use it as a bridge between their Ruy Lopez and Giuoco Piano repertoires.