Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Classical Defense Deferred
Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Classical Defense Deferred
Definition
The Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Classical Defense Deferred is a branch of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening) that arises after the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Bc5
In ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) terminology it is classified as C70–C72. The line is called “Morphy Defense” because Paul Morphy’s early games popularized 3…a6, while “Classical Defense” refers to Black’s development of the queen’s bishop to c5. The word “Deferred” indicates that …Bc5 is played after the preparatory …a6, rather than immediately on move three (which would be the Classical or Cordel Defense).
Typical Move Order and Branches
After 4…Bc5 the most common continuations are:
- 5. c3 Nf6 6. d4 exd4 7. e5 (Max Lange–style central thrust)
- 5. O-O Nf6 6. c3 O-O 7. d4 (Main modern line)
- 5. c3 d6 (solid, Steinitz-inspired setup)
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s plan: quick piece development, pressure on the f2-square, and potential central counter-strike …d5. By playing …a6 first, Black forces the white bishop to a less active square (a4) before occupying c5.
- White’s plan: seize space with c3 and d4, build a central pawn duo (c3–d4–e4), and exploit the slightly loose pawn on b7 after 4…Bc5.
- Tactical motifs: sacrifices on f7/f2, the fork trick …Nxe4 (after 5.O-O Nf6 6.c3), pins along the a7–g1 diagonal, and discovered attacks following d4.
- Positional themes: the tension between White’s strong center and Black’s piece activity; long-term battle over the d5-square; minority attack ideas with a4 by White and …b5–…b4 by Black.
Historical Significance
Although Paul Morphy himself preferred open, tactical play and often used …a6 to gain tempi, the deferred Classical continued to evolve through the 19th and 20th centuries:
- Louis Paulsen – Wilhelm Steinitz, New York 1889: An early model game where Steinitz equalized comfortably and demonstrated the solidity of …d6 setups.
- Botvinnik – Najdorf, Amsterdam 1948 (World Championship Tourney): Najdorf adopted the line to avoid heavily analysed Closed Ruy Lopez positions.
- Karpov – Unzicker, Skopje Olympiad 1972: Karpov showed that White can still press for an advantage using the slow manoeuvre Re1–h3 combined with c3–d4.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The game (shortened for space) highlights typical tactical swings. By move 14 Black wins a pawn via the “fork trick” but White’s better piece coordination ultimately prevails—illustrating the double-edged character of the variation.
Current Status in Master Play
- Still a respected surprise weapon: top players such as Levon Aronian and Fabiano Caruana have used it to sidestep deeply analysed Marshall and Berlin lines.
- Engine verdict: roughly equal (≈0.20 – 0.30) but highly unbalanced, giving both sides winning chances.
- Popular in rapid and blitz because the early bishop sortie invites quick tactical chances.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The “Morphy” name shift: Although Morphy never actually played 4…Bc5, his pioneering of 3…a6 led to the entire family of lines being named after him.
- “Classical” vs “Cordel”: 3…Bc5 (immediate) is officially the Classical or Cordel Defense; most databases tag the deferred version separately even though the bishop lands on the same square.
- Computer discovery: Modern engines suggest the quirky 5…Nf6 6.d3 d6, transposing to a Philidor-like structure that was once thought passive but now scores decently in elite practice.
- First recorded appearance: Johann Loewenthal vs Adolf Anderssen, London 1851. Anderssen unleashed 4…Bc5, won brilliantly, and the line entered theory overnight.
Practical Tips
- As White, remember the motif 5.c3 followed by d4 when safe—timing is everything; rushing d4 too early can hand Black the …exd4 fork trick.
- As Black, if you fear 5.O-O Nf6 6.c3 O-O 7.d4, consider 6…Bb6 (Arkell Variation) to keep the bishop alive and eyes on the e4-pawn.
- Watch for the thematic pawn lever …d5: if you can play it under favorable circumstances, your opening problems are usually solved.