Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense Open Howell–Ekström

Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Open (Howell–Ekström Variation)

Definition

The Howell–Ekström Variation is a branch of the Open Variation of the Morphy Defense in the Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Opening. It arises after the following sequence of moves:

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  9. c3 Bc5 10. Nbd2

White’s last two moves—9.c3 followed by 10.Nbd2—define the Howell–Ekström system. ECO codes place these positions in the C83–C84 family.

How It Is Used

• White avoids the immediate tactical complications of the classical Open Variation main line (9.Nbd2 Nc5), opting instead for a slow build-up with c3 and Nbd2.
• Black typically continues …O-O, …Qd7, and …Rad8, aiming at central counterplay with …f6 or …d4 once pieces are developed.
• The structure often transposes into IQP-like middlegames where White holds the e5 pawn and tries to prove that the bishop pair and extra space compensate for Black’s freer piece play.

Strategic Significance

• For White:
  • Keep the extra e5 pawn at least temporarily.
  • Maintain a solid central pawn chain (c3–d4–e5).
  • Prepare the kingside expansion with Re1, h3, Nf1-g3.
  • Force Black to prove compensation rather than allow immediate simplification.
• For Black:
  • Rapid development—especially of the light-squared bishop to c5 or b4 before …O-O.
  • Pressure on e5 (…f6 or …Qe7) and/or the center with …d4.
  • Use the half-open f-file and active minor pieces to generate tactical chances before White completes re-grouping.

Historical Notes

• The line is named after the English player William Howell (active in the late-19^th century) and the Swedish master Gösta Ekström, who both explored the quiet 9.c3 idea when the sharper alternatives were all the rage.
• The variation enjoyed a minor revival in the 1980s and again in the computer-age, where engines confirm its viability as a surprise weapon.

Illustrative Game

The following miniature shows typical ideas for both sides:

White’s 9.c3 established the Howell–Ekström tabiya. Notice how Black marshalled his pieces around the e5 point, while White eventually liquidated into a favorable ending.

Typical Plans

1. White: Complete development with Re1, Nbd2-f1-g3, Be3 or Bf4, then decide whether to keep, advance, or sacrifice the e5 pawn to open lines.
2. Black: Put immediate pressure on e5 with …f6 or …Qe7, consider the timely pawn break …d4, and keep enough tension to exploit the bishop pair.
3. If Black regains the pawn without concessions, the game often transforms into an equal but dynamic middlegame with chances for both sides.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• A young Garry Kasparov employed the Howell line in Soviet junior events, praising its “healthy pawn extra” in his notebooks.
• Modern engines rate the position after 10.Nbd2 as roughly equal, yet the side that deviates first frequently drifts into a worse endgame due to the long-term strengths and weaknesses frozen in the pawn structure.
• The variation is occasionally used as a low-maintenance drawing weapon by grandmasters who wish to sidestep the labyrinth of Open Variation theory while still keeping winning chances against unprepared opponents.

Key Takeaways

The Howell–Ekström Variation is a sound, strategic alternative to the main Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez. By delaying direct confrontation, White obliges Black to prove compensation for the pawn in a quieter setting, while Black enjoys rapid development and the bishop pair.