Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation
Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martínez Variation
Definition
The Martínez Variation is a branch of the Closed Ruy Lopez, arising after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 d6
By choosing 6…d6 instead of the more frequent 6…b5, Black defers the …b5 pawn thrust and immediately shores up the e5-pawn. The line is classified under ECO code C84 and is traditionally called the “Martínez” after the early-20th-century Spanish master Francisco Martínez, who analysed the setup in local Madrid clubs and later published notes in the magazine Ajedrez Español.
Typical Continuations
A common move order runs:
- 7. c3 O-O
- 8. h3 b5
- 9. Bb3 Na5 (or 9…Re8)
With …d6 already in place, Black keeps the structure flexible, retaining options such as …Re8, …Bf8-g7, and …Na5-c4 without being committed to the more theoretical Marshall Gambit (…b5 followed by …d5).
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Setup
- …d6 bolsters e5 and offers the possibility of a later …c6–d5 break.
- The bishop often re-routes via e7-f8-g7, echoing a “Spanish Dragon” formation.
- Delayed …b5 discourages White’s immediate a4 undermining ideas.
- White’s Plans
- Place a knight on f1 then g3 or e3, supporting the central thrust d4.
- Use a4 to clamp down on …b5 once it appears.
- Maintain long-term pressure on the queenside weaknesses c6 and a6.
Historical Highlights
- The variation found practical tests as early as San Sebastián 1912, where José Raúl Capablanca used it with Black to hold a comfortable draw against the tactician Daniël Noteboom.
- Arturo Pomar, Spain’s first grandmaster, revived the line in the 1960s, reinforcing its “national” flavour in Spanish chess circles.
- In the computer era, engines rate the position as roughly equal, yet the imbalance of plans keeps it viable for club play.
Illustrative Game
Rubinstein – Capablanca, San Sebastián 1912. Although the game eventually entered an endgame scramble, the first 15 moves are a textbook demonstration of Black’s Martínez move order.
Practical Tips
- If you like the Closed Ruy Lopez but fear the heavily-analysed Marshall Attack, the Martínez Variation is a sound sidestep.
- White players should be ready for slow manoeuvring; quick assaults rarely succeed unless Black mishandles the centre.
- Study model manoeuvres such as Bf8-g7, Na5-c4 for Black and Nbd2-f1-g3, a4 for White.
Interesting Facts
- Because Black waits one extra tempo before playing …b5, the variation is sometimes nicknamed the “Delayed Chigorin.”
- Viswanathan Anand employed the setup in rapid play against Vladimir Kramnik, Mainz 2009, scoring an effortless draw in just 27 moves.
- On the online platform Chess.com, the line scores a healthy 50 % for both sides in master games, reflecting its balanced character.