Ruy Lopez Opening Morphy Defense Caro Norwegian Variation
Ruy Lopez Opening
Definition & Move-Order
The Ruy Lopez (or “Spanish Game”) is the classical open-game opening that arises after the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5.
White’s third move attacks the defender of the e5-pawn, immediately introducing positional pressure and long-term plans revolving around the centre and the bishop pair.
Strategic Themes
- Pressuring the e5-pawn indirectly by threatening to exchange on c6 and remove its defender.
- Building a broad pawn centre with c3 and d4 (main lines) or aiming for rapid development and kingside activity (Exchange or Delayed Exchange).
- Long-term fight between White’s light-squared bishop versus Black’s queenside structure; the “Spanish bishop” often retreats to a4, b3 and sometimes even c2/g1.
Historical Significance
Named after the 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura, who analysed it in his 1561 treatise. It became the main battlefield of 19th-century romantic chess and is still the backbone of modern 1.e4 theory—featured in World-Championship matches from Capablanca–Lasker (1921) to Carlsen–Nepomniachtchi (2021).
Illustrative Games
- Fischer – Spassky, Game 6, Reykjavík 1972: Fischer’s sparkling positional win in the Exchange Ruy cemented the opening’s strategic depth.
- Kasparov – Karpov, Seville 1987 (Game 16): A modern treatment of the Closed Ruy with the d3-system.
Interesting Facts
- Ruy López actually preferred 3.Bc4; his “Spanish” line was meant as a sideline!
- According to MegaDatabase statistics, more than 25 % of all grand-master 1.e4 e5 games transpose into a Ruy Lopez.
Morphy Defense (in the Ruy Lopez)
Definition & Move-Order
The Morphy Defense begins with 3…a6 in the Ruy Lopez:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6
Black immediately questions the bishop and gains space on the queenside.
Why It Is Played
- Forces White’s bishop to decide its future (capture on c6 or retreat to a4).
- Prepares …Nf6 and …b5 with tempo, reducing the sting of Bb5.
- Keeps maximum flexibility—Black can choose between Closed systems (…Be7), the Open Defense (…Nxe4), or sharp sidelines such as the Schliemann via …f5.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
Named after Paul Morphy, who popularised 3…a6 in his 1858 mini-match against Adolf Anderssen. Today it is the most common reply to 3.Bb5 at every level, appearing in the repertoires of virtually every World Champion since Steinitz.
Typical Plans
- Closed Systems: …Be7, …b5, …d6 and …O-O, aiming for the C99 Main Line (Chigorin, Breyer, Zaitsev, etc.).
- Open Systems: …Nxe4 followed by …b5 and …d5, leading to the Caro & Norwegian Variations (see below).
- Counter-attacks on the queenside once White commits to c3 and d4.
Famous Example
Carlsen – Anand, World Championship 2013 (Game 9) showcased modern handling of the 3…a6 Closed Spanish: Carlsen’s nuanced manoeuvring eventually overwhelmed Anand’s fortress.
Caro Variation (Ruy Lopez, Open Defense)
Definition & Move-Order
The Caro Variation is a branch of the Open Defense (Morphy) reached via:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5
Black hits back in the centre, temporarily sacrificing material parity for activity.
Strategic Essence
- Centrifugal counter-strike: …d5 challenges White’s central duo and opens lines for both bishops.
- Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure: Black often concedes the bishop pair or an isolated pawn but gains rapid development.
- Sharp Calculations: Tactics arise around the e4- and d5-squares, especially after 8.dxe5 Be6 or 8.Nxe5 Nxe5 9.dxe5 c6.
Origins & Name
Named after the Anglo-German master Horatio Caro (of Caro-Kann fame) who employed the idea in late 19th-century London tournaments. The ECO code is C83.
Model Game
Topalov – Shirov, Linares 1998: a fireworks display in which Shirov’s precise tactical defence in the Caro Variation earned him a celebrated win.
Fun Nuggets
- The line is often confused with the Tarrasch Variation of the Open Spanish; the Caro is specifically marked by the immediate …d5 on move 7.
- Modern engines evaluate the position after 7…d5 as dynamically equal (≈0.00) but “practically poisonous” for the unprepared.
Norwegian Variation (Open Ruy Lopez)
Definition & Move-Order
A sharper off-shoot of the Caro line, the Norwegian Variation continues:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6
The early …Be6 (instead of the more common …Be7 or immediate recapture) is the hallmark of the Norwegian.
Strategic & Tactical Features
- Black continues to ignore the e5-pawn, accelerating development and eyeing c4/f5 squares.
- Leads to imbalanced structures: Black often castles long, White remains flexible.
- Requires concrete knowledge; a single inaccuracy by either side swings the evaluation.
Historical Background
The variation was analysed by Norwegian masters in the 1930s and later championed by Simen Agdestein and Magnus Carlsen in youth events—hence the modern name. ECO code C83/C84 depending on transposition.
Practical Example
Carlsen – Predojevic, European Team Championship 2007 featured Carlsen steering the black pieces to victory, illustrating the dynamism of …Be6.
Did You Know?
- Because of the aggressive …Be6, some databases list the line as the “Taimanov Variation”—but that term is more often reserved for Sicilian theory, causing occasional confusion.
- The move 8…Be6 is engine-approved; Stockfish 15 already shows equality despite Black still being a pawn down.