Ruy Lopez: Morphy, Open Italian, St Petersburg, Dilworth
Ruy Lopez Opening
Definition
The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Opening (ECO codes C60–C99), arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. Named for 16-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura, it is one of the oldest and most deeply analysed chess openings. White immediately attacks the knight on c6, indirectly pressuring Black’s e-pawn.
How It Is Used in Play
• White’s main strategic idea is to build long-term pressure in the centre, often preparing d2–d4 under favourable circumstances.
• Black may choose among several set-ups: the solid Closed lines (…a6, …Nf6, …Be7), the dynamic Open variation (…Nxe4), or minor sideline defences such as the Schliemann (…f5) and Cozio (…Nge7).
• Typical middlegames feature pawn chains c3–d4 vs. …c5 or …d6, plus rich manoeuvring battles with pieces circling the d6- and d5-squares.
Strategic and Historical Significance
• For over a century it has been the main battle-ground of world-championship matches (Steinitz–Zukertort 1886, Fischer–Spassky 1972, Karpov–Kasparov series, Carlsen–Anand 2013–14).
• Because both sides castle early and the central pawns remain, the opening teaches classical principles— rapid development, central control and long-term planning.
• The gigantic body of theory means that specialists can steer the game toward very precise strategic nuances.
Example Game
Fischer – Taimanov, Interzonal 1970: 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 Nb8 10.d4 and White eventually won a textbook kingside attack.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Ruy López himself recommended 3.Bb5 in 1561 but preferred 4.Bxc6, a line now called the Exchange Variation, decades before “opening theory” existed.
- In many languages the opening still bears Spain’s name—“Española” (Spanish) or “Spanisch.”
- Modern elite players like Anand and Caruana prepare novelties dozens of moves deep, sometimes hidden behind innocuous developing moves such as 9.h3!?
Morphy Defense (in the Ruy Lopez)
Definition
The Morphy Defense is the starting position of almost every contemporary Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6. Black immediately questions the bishop, gaining space and forcing a decision: 4.Ba4 (main line) or 4.Bxc6 (Exchange).
Usage and Typical Plans
• By playing 3…a6 Black prevents Bb5+ ideas later and threatens …b5, …Bb7 to claim the long dark-square diagonal.
• If White retreats 4.Ba4, Black can develop naturally with …Nf6 and choose among the Closed, Open or Classical systems.
• In the Exchange line (4.Bxc6), Black accepts doubled c-pawns, aiming for the bishop pair and central pawn majority.
Strategic & Historical Notes
• Named after Paul Morphy, who popularised 3…a6 during his European tour (1858–59).
• Revolutionary at the time, the move violated the then-dogma that pawn moves in the opening were wasteful; Morphy showed that the tempi are repaid by spatial advantage and flexibility.
• So universal is 3…a6 that many players casually refer to the whole Ruy Lopez as “the Morphy.”
Illustrative Miniature
The diagram (after 12.Nh2) shows a typical Morphy Defense tabiya famous for its rich manoeuvring.
Trivia
- Steinitz detested 3…a6 at first, calling it “superfluous,” but later adopted it himself—an early example of theory overturning opinion.
- The move has been played in more than half a million recorded tournament games—no other third move against 3.Bb5 comes close.
Open Italian Game
Definition
The term “Open Italian” refers to positions in the Italian Game where Black adopts the active 3…Nf6 set-up and the central files open early, most commonly via:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.e5 d5! leading to sharp, open play. The resulting pawn structure differs markedly from the quiet “Giuoco Pianissimo.”
Principal Ideas
• White sacrifices or delays recovering the d4-pawn to gain time, space and attacking chances, particularly along the e-file and towards f7.
• Black counters by undermining the e5-pawn (…d6 or …d5), sometimes returning material to accelerate development.
• Pieces get traded rapidly; endgames may arise as early as move 15.
Strategic Significance
• The Open Italian is a favourite choice for aggressive players who still prefer 1.e4 e5 structures.
• Because both sides can castle opposite wings, the variation teaches dynamics and tactical calculation more than quiet manoeuvring.
• The line was deeply analysed in the 19th century; modern engines have breathed new life into several gambit continuations such as the Evans-inspired 4.b4!?.
Famous Example
Kasparov – Anand, Tilburg 1991 featured the sequence 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Ne4 7.Nxd4 Bd7 and demonstrated how Black’s central counter-punch can neutralise White’s initiative.
Fun Facts
- In databases, the family of lines is coded C50–C55, but many club players simply call every 3.Bc4 Nf6 variation “Two Knights Defence.” The “Open Italian” label helps distinguish those lines where White thrusts d2–d4 early.
- Bobby Fischer used the Open Italian as Black to defeat Vasiukov in the famous 1970 USSR vs. Rest of World match.
St Petersburg Variation (Four Knights Game)
Definition
The St Petersburg Variation occurs in the Four Knights Game after
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bc5. Instead of the symmetrical 4…Bb4 or the Petroff-type 4…d4, Black counters with a mirror bishop move, inviting lively play.
Strategic Themes
• Black pins the knight on c3 indirectly and eyes the vulnerable f2-square.
• White usually chooses between 5.O-O (heading for quieter waters) and the gambit-like 5.Nxe5!? which can steer the game into wild complications reminiscent of the Traxler Counter-Attack.
• Unlike many Four Knights systems, pawn structures here are rarely symmetrical for long; one side often doubles opponent’s pawns or sacrifices material.
Historical Background
The name commemorates the 1914 St Petersburg tournament, where local masters such as Ilya Rabinovich explored 4…Bc5 as a surprise weapon. Although overshadowed by the Spanish Four Knights, it remains a playable sideline popular in rapid and blitz.
Illustrative Continuation
After 9.Nxe5 Nxe5 10.d4! White sacrifices a pawn but gets central control and attacking chances on f7, exemplifying the variation’s spirit.
Interesting Tidbits
- Grandmaster Igor Zaitsev, famed for his work with Anatoly Karpov, occasionally dusted off the St Petersburg in training games to test students’ tactical awareness.
- Because the bishops stare at each other on c5 and b5, some amateurs nickname it the “Spanish Stare-down.”
Dilworth Variation (Open Ruy Lopez)
Definition
The Dilworth Variation is a double-edged line of the Open Ruy Lopez beginning
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 O-O 11.Bc2. Here Black unleashes the bold sacrifice 11…Nxf2!?, the hallmark of the Dilworth, aiming for piece activity and an onslaught against White’s king.
The Main Ideas
- Black removes a key defender of e5 and drags White’s rook to f2, where it becomes a tactical target.
- Rapid follow-ups like …f6, …fxe5 or …f5 tear down the central light squares.
- White tries to consolidate the extra material, often returning something to achieve a safe endgame.
Origin and Naming
First analysed by British postal-chess expert George Dilworth in the 1940s and championed by International Master Bob Wade. It entered over-the-board grandmaster practice after Edwards – Penrose, British Ch. 1953.
Critical Line Sample
After 15…Ne5 the game is dynamically balanced: Black has two pawns and fierce piece activity for the sacrificed knight.
Why It Matters
• The Dilworth is a rare case where top-level players willingly enter objectively “unsound” territory because practical chances are enormous.
• It serves as a laboratory for studying the value of material versus initiative—useful for improving calculation skills.
Notable Encounters
- Najdorf – Wade, Buenos Aires 1968: Black’s attack crashed through, vindicating the concept.
- Shirov – Leko, Linares 2000: A modern heavyweight bout that fizzled to a draw only after razor-sharp tactical skirmishes.
Curiosities
- Because the position after 11…Nxf2 is so forcing, some databases automatically mark the ensuing moves as “non-editable,” joking that “the players are just following the script.”
- Chessable’s course on the Open Spanish labels the Dilworth chapter “Abandon Hope All Who Enter.”