Ruy Lopez Opening Morphy Defense Tarrasch Variation
Ruy Lopez Opening – Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation
Definition
The Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation is a branch of the classical Ruy Lopez that arises after the following moves:
1. e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4
With 5…Nxe4 Black immediately captures the e4-pawn, accepting structural risk in exchange for rapid piece play and an open centre. The variation is named after the German grandmaster and theoretician Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch, who championed the idea in the late 19th century.
How the Line Is Used
- Practical Weapon for Black – It steers the game away from the heavily analysed “Closed” Ruy Lopez (where Black usually castles on move 7) and instead seeks dynamic counter-chances.
- Test of Calculation for White – White must decide whether to regain the pawn immediately with 6.d4 or 6.Re1, or to delay capture in favour of accelerated development.
- Suitable for Rapid & Classical – Because it produces imbalanced positions quite early, the Tarrasch Variation is popular in both time-controls; many modern engines judge it as fully playable for Black.
Typical Continuations
- 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Bc5 (Main Line)
- 6.Re1 Nc5 7.Bxc6 dxc6 8.Nxe5 Be7 9.d3 O-O (Lasker Line)
- 6.d4 exd4 7.Re1 Be7 8.Rxe4 d5 9.Rxd4 Bd7 (Delayed Pawn Grab)
In each case Black’s b-pawn and d-pawn thrusts aim to challenge White’s centre before the extra pawn becomes a long-term weakness.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension – Both sides contest the d4- and e5-squares; exchanges often leave an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) on d5 for Black or a hanging pawn duo for White.
- Piece Activity vs. Structure – Black’s pieces spring to life (…Bc5, …Qf6, …O-O-O are common), but White usually enjoys a healthier pawn structure once material is restored.
- Minor-Piece Battles – The light-squared bishops (“Spanish bishop” on b3 vs. Black’s c5-bishop) often decide the middlegame; knights on c3/e5 and c4/e4 are frequent outposts.
- Endgame Considerations – If the queens come off early, White’s queenside majority can become a distant passed pawn; conversely, Black’s bishop pair and active king can compensate.
Historical Significance
Tarrasch first employed 5…Nxe4 against Emanuel Lasker in the late 1800s, proving that the Ruy Lopez need not be a passive defence for Black. Although the line temporarily went out of favour after Capablanca’s successes on the White side, it was revitalised by players such as Miguel Najdorf, Bobby Fischer, and later Garry Kasparov. Today it remains a mainstay in the repertoires of aggressive grandmasters like Fabiano Caruana and Richard Rapport.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov – Karpov, World Championship (Game 16), Moscow 1985
Kasparov’s energetic 10.Nbd2 introduced fresh ideas into an old branch, illustrating the variation’s continued theoretical importance.
Practical Tips
- For White
- Know the 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 sequence and the tactical trick 9.Nc3! targeting d5 and e4 simultaneously.
- Be prepared to sacrifice (temporarily) a second pawn if it results in overwhelming development (e.g., 6.Re1 Nc5 7.Bxc6 dxc6 8.Nxe5).
- For Black
- Keep the initiative; passive play can leave you a pawn down with a risky king.
- Don’t fear the doubled c-pawns in the Lasker Line—they often open files for your rooks.
- Study the b7-bishop reroute: …Bb7, …c5, and …d4 can solve many structural issues in one stroke.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Dr. Tarrasch called 5…Nxe4 “the only move that reflects the spirit of chess”—a typically self-confident remark!
- Bobby Fischer used the variation twice against Boris Spassky in the 1972 World Championship as White, proving he was comfortable on both sides of the line.
- Modern engines rate the position after 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 as roughly equal (±0.20), a far cry from the “dubious” label it carried in the 1950s.
ECO Code
C77 (occasionally C78 when transposing to Closed lines).