Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Closed Variation
Ruy Lopez – Morphy Defense, Closed Variation
Definition
The “Ruy Lopez Opening, Morphy Defense, Closed” is a main-line branch of the classical Ruy Lopez (also called the Spanish Game) that begins with the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3
After 9…c5 or 9…Na5 Black officially “closes” the center, entering the Closed Morphy.
The term “Morphy Defense” (3…a6) honors 19th-century American grandmaster Paul Morphy, who popularized the move as a flexible reply to the Ruy Lopez bishop pin. “Closed” contrasts with the “Open” Morphy Defense (where Black plays …Nxe4 early, e.g., 5…Nxe4) and with earlier alternative systems (e.g., Berlin, Schliemann, Classical).
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
- Ba4 Nf6
- O-O Be7
- Re1 b5
- Bb3 d6
- c3 O-O
- h3 (White prevents …Bg4) Closed Morphy reached
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: The e4–e5 pawn duo remains locked; both sides maneuver behind it. White aims for d2–d4 breaks, Black for …d5 or …c5 counterplay.
- Minor-Piece Battles: The ♗b3 eyes f7 and c2; Black’s light-squared bishop typically re-routes …Bb7 or …Be6 → g4.
- Queenside Space vs. Kingside Pressure: Black gains queenside space with …b5 …c5, while White seeks a kingside initiative (often with Ng5, f2-f4, or sacrificed breakthroughs on e5/f5).
- Long-Term Plans: Typical maneuvering includes ♘b1-d2-f1-g3-f5 for White, and …♞b8-d7-f8-g6 or …♝c8-e6-g4 for Black.
Historical Significance
• The Closed Morphy became the battleground of top-level chess throughout the 20th century. Capablanca–Alekhine (1927 World Championship), Fischer–Spassky (1972), and most Karpov and Kasparov matches featured it heavily.
• Theory is rich: decades of novelties revolve around the Marshall Attack (8…d5), Zaitsev (9…Bb7, 10…Re8), Chigorin (9…Na5, 11…c5), Breyer (9…Nb8), Karpov (9…Nd7), and more.
• Engines still evaluate the position near equality, yet practical complexity keeps it evergreen.
Illustrative Example
The diagram shows the Breyer System (9…Nb8), a fashionable way for Black to maintain flexibility. Notice the coiled tension: no material is exchanged after 17 moves, yet both players have repositioned their pieces for future pawn breaks.
Famous Games
- Capablanca – Alekhine, Game 5, World Championship 1927: A classic demonstration of slow maneuvering; Alekhine eventually seized the initiative with …c5 and won.
- Fischer – Spassky, Game 6, Reykjavik 1972: Fischer surprised with the Open variation, but Spassky’s habitual Closed preparation shows how engrained the line was among world champions.
- Kasparov – Karpov, World Championship matches 1984-1990: The Zaitsev vs. Breyer debate defined an era; Kasparov’s 24.c5! breakthrough (Seville 1987, Game 16) is a tactical jewel stemming from a closed Spanish structure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Morphy never played the Closed Morphy! In his time theory had not yet advanced beyond 4.Bxc6+; the “Morphy Defense” label was coined posthumously.
- The line is a favorite testing ground for opening-novelty prepared computers. AlphaZero’s 2018 self-play games repeatedly chose the Breyer setup for Black.
- Grandmasters joke that “every serious player must suffer in the Closed Ruy at least once” because the positions demand patience, prophylaxis, and deep endgame understanding.
Why Study It?
Mastering the Closed Morphy equips a player with:
- Understanding of pawn tension and maneuvering before direct conflict.
- Pattern recognition for long-term minor-piece rerouting.
- Appreciation of historical evolution from pre-Capablanca to modern engine influence.
Whether you aim to unleash a Marshall Attack as Black or grind a slow positional squeeze as White, the Closed Ruy Lopez remains a living laboratory of classical chess strategy.