Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Yates Variation
Ruy Lopez Opening – Morphy Defense, Closed, Yates Variation
Definition
The Yates Variation is a specific branch of the Closed system of the Morphy Defense in the Ruy Lopez. It arises after the moves:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
- Ba4 Nf6
- O-O Be7
- Re1 b5
- Bb3 d6
- c3 O-O
- h3 Na5
- Bc2
The key identifying move is 10. Bc2, protecting the e4-pawn indirectly and preparing the central thrust d4 under favorable circumstances. Because the idea was popularized by British/American master Frederick Dewhurst Yates (1884-1932), the line bears his name.
How It Is Used in Chess
Players adopt the Yates Variation when they want:
- A solid, maneuvering struggle typical of the Closed Ruy Lopez.
- An early sidestep from the more heavily analyzed Chigorin (9…Na5 10.Bc2 c5) or Breyer (9…Nb8) continuations.
- Flexible piece placement; White often re-routes the light-squared bishop to g2 after d3-fianchetto ideas, or supports the central break d4.
Strategic Themes
Both sides engage in deep maneuvering behind their pawn chains:
- White’s plans
- Pressure against Black’s e5-pawn via Bc2, d4, and sometimes a well-timed a4 to soften the queenside.
- Typical knight route Nb1-d2-f1-g3 or e3, converging on f5 or d5 squares.
- Slow buildup with b4 undermined by a2-a4 followed by axb5, opening files for rooks.
- Black’s plans
- Counterplay with …c5 and …c4, gaining queenside space and dislodging White’s dark-squared bishop.
- Typical break …d5 when the position is ready, equalizing the center.
- Piece pressure on the e4-pawn and possible kingside expansion with …f5 in some lines.
Historical Significance
Frederick D. Yates was one of Britain’s strongest players in the early 20th century. Although not the very first to play 10. Bc2, he used the idea repeatedly in the 1920s, notably at London 1922, giving the line enough pedigree to receive his name. The variation enjoyed a renaissance in the 1980s when grandmasters such as John Nunn and Ulf Andersson employed it as a practical weapon, dovetailing with modern positional chess.
Illustrative Game
Below is a miniature PGN fragment from Yates vs. Vidmar, London 1922, demonstrating typical ideas. Note how White’s Bc2 adds latent pressure on e4, enabling central play:
The position after 14…Nc6: both bishops eye the center while Black prepares …c4; White later seized the initiative on the kingside.
Modern Examples
- Anand – Adams, Wijk aan Zee 1996: Anand sacrificed a pawn with a2-a4 creating queenside weaknesses, then delivered a kingside assault.
- Carlsen – Nakamura, London Classic 2012: A quiet maneuvering draw where 10. Bc2 allowed the World Champion to avoid Nakamura’s Chigorin preparation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 10. Bc2 looks passive to the uninitiated, some commentators jokingly call it the “back-to-school move,” yet its subtle pressure often unsettles unprepared opponents.
- The line appears in the celebrated instructional book My System where Nimzowitsch praised the concept of “over-protection” of e4 embodied by Bc2.
- In correspondence chess, engines once evaluated the Yates Variation as slightly inferior for White, but long strategic horizons frequently vindicate White’s plan once deeper tablebases are consulted.
Summary
The Ruy Lopez – Morphy Defense, Closed, Yates Variation (10. Bc2) offers White a rich, strategically complex battleground. Its historical roots trace back a century, yet it remains theoretically viable, balancing solidity with latent attacking chances—an ideal laboratory for players who enjoy deep maneuvering over tactical skirmishes.