Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Schliemann Deferred
Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred
Definition and Move Order
The line arises from the classical Ruy Lopez opening:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 a6 (Morphy Defense)
- Ba4 f5 (Schliemann Defense Deferred)
By inserting 3…a6 before …f5, Black prevents the immediate bishop capture on c6 and forces White’s bishop to the more passive a4 square before launching the sharp pawn thrust …f5 associated with the Schliemann (also known as the Jaenisch) Defense. The variation is classified as ECO C63–C64.
Typical Usage in Play
The Schliemann Deferred is employed by players who enjoy forcing, tactical positions and are willing to take on structural risks in return for dynamic piece play. It is seen occasionally at top level—often as a surprise weapon—because it:
- Confronts White’s center immediately with …f5.
- Maintains the bishop pair for Black by sidestepping Bxc6.
- Leads to asymmetrical pawn structures that reduce drawish tendencies.
Strategic Themes and Plans
- Central Tension: Black challenges e4, hoping for …exf4 or …fxe4 lines that open the f-file toward White’s king.
- Piece Activity vs. Pawn Weaknesses: Black gains quick activity but must live with a backward e-pawn and kingside holes (e6, g6, and the a7–g1 diagonal).
- Development Race: White often tries 5.d4 or 5.Nc3, aiming to accelerate development while keeping the extra central pawn after an eventual exf5.
- Pin & Counter-Pin Motifs: The a4-e8 diagonal (Ba4–Bb3–Bc2) and the g8–a2 diagonal (…Bc5 or …Bb4+) feature prominently.
Historical Notes
• The original Schliemann (3…f5) was championed by the 19-century
German merchant and master Carl Schliemann.
• The idea of deferring …f5 until after 3…a6 was explored by
Siegbert Tarrasch and Savielly Tartakower, but it remained a sideline
until the computer-engine era, when its tactical richness appealed to
modern dynamic players such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and
Teimour Radjabov.
Illustrative Game
A short, tactical clash highlighting typical motifs:
(Mamedyarov – Radjabov, Linares 2005, rapid) – Black’s energetic play yields a complex middlegame where both kings are exposed.
Typical Continuations
- 5.Nc3
5…Nf6 6.d4 exd4 7.e5 Bb4 8.O-O! when White relies on lead in development; Black counters with …Bxc3 and …d5. - 5.d4
5…fxe4 6.Nxe5 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 (…Bd6 is also popular) heading for complicated, unbalanced structures. - 5.O-O!? leads to gambit play after 5…fxe4 6.Nxe5 Nxe5 7.Qh5+ Nf7.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The deferred move order avoids the
Anti-Schliemann
line 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O f5, which some Schliemann players dislike because Black’s king is stuck in the center. - Engines once evaluated the variation as dubious; modern neural-network engines (e.g., Leela Zero) now show it to be sound and full of resources for both sides.
- Magnus Carlsen dabbled with the Schliemann Deferred in online
blitz while streaming, calling it
a fun way to get people out of the Berlin
. - Because Black’s fourth move is a pawn push on the wing while the king is still in the center, many coaches recommend the line only for advanced players comfortable in sharp, open positions.