Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense Closed Averbakh Variation
Ruy Lopez Opening Morphy Defense Closed Averbakh Variation
Definition
The Averbakh Variation is a major branch of the Closed Ruy Lopez arising from the
Morphy Defense. It is reached after 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
Named for the Russian grandmaster and end-game authority Yuri Averbakh, the line is characterized by White’s prophylactic 9.h3, which prevents …Bg4 and, at the same time, sidesteps the razor-sharp Marshall Gambit (which begins with 8…d5). The variation leads to rich, strategically tense positions in which both sides maneuver behind solid pawn structures before the central and kingside files open.
Move Order and Essentials
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6 (Morphy Defense)
- Ba4 Nf6
- O-O Be7
- Re1 b5
- Bb3 d6 (Closed System)
- c3 O-O
- h3 (Averbakh move)
After 9.h3 Black’s most common replies are:
- 9…Na5 (Chigorin-style play, chasing the bishop)
- 9…Bb7 followed by …Re8 and …Bf8
- 9…h6 preparing …Re8 and sometimes …Bf8-g7
Strategic Ideas for White
- Prevent …Bg4: The key point of 9.h3; it keeps the dark-squared bishop off the g4–square, preserving the knight on f3 to support d2–d4.
- Deferred central break: White usually follows with 10.d4 after adequate preparation (often Nbd2, Bf1, or a4).
- Kingside space: The h-pawn move gives luft for the king and in some lines allows g2-g4 later.
- Bishop pair pressure: The light-squared bishop on b3 eyes f7 and the a2-g8 diagonal, ready for tactical blows if the position opens.
Strategic Ideas for Black
- Reinforcing the e5-pawn: …Re8, …Bf8, and …Bf8-g7 are typical ways to over-protect the center.
- Queenside expansion: …Na5 and …c5 aim to seize space and challenge White’s bishop pair.
- Piece maneuvering: Knights often travel via b8–d7–f8–g6/e6, while the queen may appear on c7 or b8 to pressure the center.
- Lakdawala Plan: A modern setup with …h6, …Re8, …Bf8, and …g6 leading to a fianchettoed bishop on g7 has gained popularity in rapid formats.
Historical Significance
Yuri Averbakh (born 1922) employed 9.h3 several times in the 1950s, codifying the system in Soviet opening literature. The variation boomed in the 1980s when Anatoly Karpov adopted it as his main weapon against Garry Kasparov, notably in their 1984–1990 World Championship matches. Since then, elite players such as Viswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana have kept it in their repertoires.
Typical Plans and Tactics
- The d4 Break: White times d2-d4 to open the center when Black’s pieces are committed to the queenside.
- Rook Lift: Ra1-a3-g3 is an attractive attacking mechanism once the center clarifies.
- Minor-piece battles: The “Spanish knights” often relocate: Nb1-d2-f1-g3/e3 and Ng1-h2-f1-g3, pressuring e5 and f7.
- …d5 Counterstrike: Black retains the thematic freeing break …d6-d5, sometimes supported by …c6 and …c5.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship (Game 16), Moscow 1985
A textbook demonstration of White’s slow-burn pressure in the Averbakh.
White’s h3 and c3 setup eventually allowed the d4 break, and Karpov’s central pressure and end-game technique carried the day after a long maneuvering battle.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes
- Marshall Gambit Insurance: Many top players include 9.h3 in their repertoire simply to avoid memorizing the massive Marshall theory tree.
- Averbakh’s Humility: When asked about the line bearing his name, Yuri Averbakh quipped, “All I did was move a pawn one square, but I’m glad it was the right square.”
- Engine Era: Modern engines evaluate the position after 9.h3 as almost dead equal, yet human games remain decisive roughly 35 % of the time—proof of its practical richness.
- End-Game Lovers: Because the structure often stays closed for 20–25 moves, many classical specialists (Karpov, Adams, Aronian) favor the Averbakh to steer the game toward strategic end-games they excel in.
Quick Reference Table
- ECO Code: C99
- Typical Result Split: 37 % White wins • 30 % Black wins • 33 % draws (Master level)
- Main Alternative for White: 9.d4 (Main Line Closed Ruy)
- Main Alternative for Black: 9…d5!? (Marshall Gambit, immediately countering in the center)
Why Study This Variation?
Mastering the Averbakh Variation equips a Ruy Lopez player with a flexible, strategically rich system that avoids the most forcing Marshall complications while still keeping pressure on Black. Its blend of maneuvering, prophylaxis, and latent attacking chances makes it a favorite in correspondence, rapid, and classical play alike.