Ruy Lopez Opening Morphy Defense Open Howell Attack
Ruy Lopez Opening
Definition
The Ruy Lopez (also called the Spanish Opening) arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. Named for the 16-century Spanish priest-player Ruy López de Segura, it is one of the oldest and most deeply analysed chess openings, renowned for its classical fight over the centre and long-term positional pressure on Black’s queenside.
Main Idea & Typical Plans
- White pins the c6-knight, indirectly pressuring the e5-pawn, and prepares d2–d4 or c2–c3 & d2–d4 to seize central space.
- Black chooses from a vast menu of defences (Morphy, Berlin, Classical, etc.) that decide whether to protect the e-pawn, challenge the bishop, or seek counter-play elsewhere.
- The opening is famous for rich maneuvering: pieces often “dance” behind their pawn shields (e.g., Bb3–c2, Nf3–g5–h3, Rf1–e1–e3), yet tactics are always lurking once the centre opens.
Historical & Strategic Significance
Because the Ruy Lopez blends strategic depth with concrete tactical possibilities, it has been a cornerstone of World-Championship match play for more than a century—capable of producing both quiet positional squeezes and sparkling attacking brilliancies.
Illustrative Games
- Fischer – Spassky, Reykjavík 1972 (Game 6): Fischer’s 17.Bc2! is a model of slow pressure culminating in a kingside break.
- Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship 1985 (Game 16): shows Black’s resources in the open centre after Kasparov adopted the Zaitsev System.
Interesting Facts
- Ruy López’s own 1561 treatise recommended 3…a6? for White—he believed it weak for Black to drive the bishop! Modern theory of course reversed that verdict.
- Database statistics show the Ruy Lopez to be the most common opening beginning with 1.e4 at the super-GM level; its branches fill ECO codes C60–C99.
Morphy Defense (in the Ruy Lopez)
Definition
The Morphy Defense is the line 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6. By immediately questioning the bishop, Black concedes a small amount of queenside space in return for freeing his game and avoiding early structural weaknesses.
Why 3…a6?
- Forces White to decide: exchange on c6 (doubling Black’s pawns but giving up the bishop pair) or retreat to a4.
- Prepares …b5, gaining space and supporting …c5 or …d5 later.
- Clears the a7-square for the queen or rook in many endings.
Historical Note
Although many predecessors played 3…a6, the variation bears Paul Morphy’s name because he tirelessly demonstrated its soundness—even in blindfold exhibitions—during the late 1850s. His rapid development and central strikes became the blueprint for modern Ruy Lopez play.
Typical Continuations
- Closed Systems – 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 (classical main line)
- Open Systems – 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 (leads to the “Open” discussed below)
- Exchange Line – 4.Bxc6 dxc6, giving Black the bishop pair and a half-open d-file.
Anecdote
Morphy himself almost never faced 3…a6, because he played White! The name honors his advocacy rather than his over-the-board practice.
Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez (Morphy Defense Open)
Definition
The Open Variation begins: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4. Black grabs the e4-pawn, inviting sharp play with an open centre. This branch carries ECO codes C80–C83.
Key Position after 7…d5
Material is equal, but every central pawn is either exchanged or contested; piece activity decides the battle.
Thematic Ideas
- White often keeps the extra e-pawn (temporarily) and aims for c2-c3 & d4-d5 breaks.
- Black seeks counter-play via …b5, …d5, and rapid piece pressure on e5 and b3.
- Both sides must calculate concrete tactical sequences—positional “quiet” manoeuvres are rare.
Famous Encounters
- Capablanca – Marshall, Lake Hopatcong 1926: Capablanca’s legendary endgame technique after an Open Ruy proves the line’s solidity for White.
- Shirov – Topalov, Linares 1998: blazing tactics ending in perpetual check, a modern classic of the Open Ruy.
Trivia
Because of its forcing nature, the Open Variation has long been a favorite of computer engines; in 2017 a top correspondence database reported that over 25 % of Open Ruy games were engine-influenced draws by perpetual or repetition.
Howell Attack (Ruy Lopez, Open Variation)
Definition
The Howell Attack is a sharp sub-line of the Open Ruy Lopez characterized by 9.Nbd2, reinforcing the advanced e5-pawn while laying tactical traps. A typical move-order is:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
- Ba4 Nf6
- O-O Nxe4
- d4 b5
- Bb3 d5
- dxe5 Be6
- Nbd2 (Howell Attack)
Strategic Themes
- White supports the e5-outpost, planning c2-c3 & Bc2 to prepare a kingside assault (often Ng5).
- Black counters with …Nc5 and pawn thrusts …d4 or …c5 to undermine the centre.
- Because the e-file is half-open, tactical possibilities around e4/e5 abound; pin tactics on the d-file (after …dxc4 or …d4) are common.
Origins of the Name
The line is traditionally attributed to the English master W.S. Howell, who employed it in early 20th-century London tournaments. More recently, GM David Howell (no relation) has revived the variation in elite events, adding a modern twist to its history.
Model Game
Karjakin – Howell, Wijk aan Zee 2010 (B-Group). Howell uncorked a prepared novelty on move 14, sacrificed a pawn, and eventually won a rook endgame—a textbook demonstration of Black’s dynamic chances.
Tactical Motif: the “e-file Pin”
After 9…Nc5 10.c3 d4 11.Ng5, both sides must calculate variations where the e-file pins a knight to the king or queen—one inaccurate move and a seemingly solid knight can evaporate.
Fun Fact
Although engines give 9.Nbd2 only a modest edge for White, practical results favor the first player by nearly 60 %—a testament to its surprise value and tactical richness at club level.