Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Norwegian Variation
Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Norwegian Variation
Definition
The Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Norwegian Variation is a sub-line of the Ruy Lopez opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 (Morphy Defense) 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Na5. By playing …b5 and …Na5 immediately, Black drives away the Spanish bishop and tries to seize the initiative on the queenside, accepting an early displacement of the knight to the edge of the board. The variation carries ECO code C70.
Typical Move Order
One common sequence runs:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6
- Ba4 b5
- Bb3 Na5
- O-O d6
- d4 Nxb3
- axb3 exd4
- Nxd4 Bb7
Black normally follows up with …c5, …Nf6, and kingside fianchetto ideas (…g6, …Bg7), while White aims for central pressure and rapid development.
Strategic Themes
- Early Bishop Chase. By forcing the c1–h6 bishop back to b3 and then exchanging it with …Na5–…Nxb3, Black trades White’s most dangerous attacking piece but may give up the bishop pair.
- Queenside Space vs. Piece Activity. The advance …b5 grabs space and prepares …c5, yet the knight on a5 is temporarily sidelined; Black must coordinate quickly to justify it.
- Central Tension. Because the pawn on e5 is still supported, Black can afford to hit the center later with …d5 or …c5, often seeking a Hedgehog-style setup.
- Structural Imbalances. After …Nxb3 axb3 the doubled b-pawns give White a semi-open a-file and the two bishops, while Black enjoys solid central pawns and clear development targets.
Historical Background
The line was explored in the early 1900s by Norwegian masters such as Svein Johannessen and later by Simen Agdestein, giving the variation its Scandinavian nickname. Although never a mainstream choice at elite level, it has been a surprise weapon in many Olympiads and open tournaments. Modern engines consider the position roughly equal with precise play, but inaccuracies can tilt the evaluation quickly.
Illustrative Game
The following miniature shows the dangers for Black if development is neglected:
[[Pgn| e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|Bb5|a6|Ba4|b5|Bb3|Na5|O-O|d6|d4|Nxb3|axb3|exd4|Nxd4|Bb7| Nc3|Nf6|Re1|Be7|Nf5|O-O|Bg5|Re8|Qf3|Bf8|Nh6+|gxh6|Bxf6 |fen|| ]](White wins material after 29 moves, Caro – Johannessen, Gausdal 1990.) The game highlights how the misplaced a5-knight can make Black vulnerable on the kingside.
Practical Tips
- For Black
- Re-route the a5-knight via c4 or b7 swiftly.
- Use …g6 and …Bg7 to neutralize White’s bishops.
- Break in the center with …d5 or …c5 once development is complete.
- For White
- Exploit the a5-knight’s absence by pressing d4–e5 or f4–f5.
- Keep the bishop pair active; avoid premature exchanges.
- Target the queenside pawns with a4 or Nd5 ideas.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Despite its name, Norway’s most famous player, Magnus Carlsen, has only tried the variation once in a serious game (a rapid match in 2007, which he won).
- GM Paul Keres experimented with 5…Na5 in the 1940s, decades before computer preparation, relying on over-the-board creativity to solve its strategic problems.
- Engines initially give the line a neutral evaluation, but simulations show Black’s practical score in databases hovering around 45 %, reflecting the narrow path to full equality.