Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tartakower Variation

Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tartakower Variation

Definition

The Tartakower Variation is a branch of the Ruy Lopez (or Spanish Game) that arises from the Morphy Defense after the following moves:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 d6

Black’s 6…d6—played before the more customary 6…b5—characterizes the Tartakower system. The move supports the e5-pawn, prepares …O-O, and keeps the queenside structure flexible.

Typical Move Order & Ideas

• 7. c3 O-O 8. h3 (the most popular continuation) when Black can choose between
  • 8…b5 9.Bc2 followed by …Re8, …Bf8 and sometimes …g6.
  • 8…Nb8 (a Breyer-like regrouping) aiming for …Nbd7–f8–g6.
• White usually strives for d2–d4, central space, and a kingside initiative, while Black aims for a solid pawn structure, well-placed minor pieces, and potential counterplay on the queenside or in the center.

Strategic Themes

• Flexibility: By delaying …b5 Black keeps the a6–pawn free to recapture on b5 and does not commit the c6-knight to a5 (as in the Chigorin) or b8 (as in the Breyer) too early.
• Solid Center: …d6 buttresses e5 but also signals a somewhat quieter, maneuvering game compared with sharper Open or Zaitsev lines.
• Piece Maneuvers: Common Black plans include …Re8, …Bf8, …g6, …Bg7 and a later …c5 or …d5 break.
• White’s Plan: Re1 supports d2–d4; c2–c3 blunts the a7–g1 diagonal and prepares d4; h2–h3 stops …Bg4 and prepares g2–g4 in some aggressive setups.

Historical Background

The system is named after the witty Polish-French grandmaster Savielly Tartakower (1887-1956), who liked the early …d6 setup against the Spanish and employed it with success in the 1920s. His treatment influenced later generations of defenders who sought a sound yet less theory-heavy alternative to the main Closed Ruy Lopez lines.

Illustrative Example

An oft-cited model is Tartakower’s own win against Bogoljubow (Vienna 1922):

[[Pgn| 1.e4|e5|2.Nf3|Nc6|3.Bb5|a6|4.Ba4|Nf6|5.O-O|Be7|6.Re1|d6|7.c3|O-O|8.h3|Re8| 9.d4|Bf8|10.Nbd2|b5|11.Bc2|Bb7|12.a3|Nb8|13.b3|Nbd7|14.Bb2|g6|15.Bd3|c5| 16.d5|Nh5|17.c4|Bh6|18.cxb5|Nf4|19.Bf1|axb5|20.Bxb5|f5|21.Bf1|Nf6|22.g3|N4h5| 23.Nh4|Bxd2|24.Qxd2|Nxe4|25.Qc1|Qg5|26.Qxg5|Nxg5|27.Bc1|Nf7|28.a4|Bxd5 0-1 |fen| |arrows|e7e4,d6d5|squares|e5,d4]]

The game showcases Black’s central solidity and piece activity once the minor pieces coordinate behind the …d6 shield.

Famous Modern Encounters

• Carlsen vs Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2011 – a tense draw where Carlsen probed on the kingside but Giri’s Tartakower structure held firm.
• Anand vs Kramnik, Dortmund 2001 – Kramnik equalised comfortably and later pressed in the endgame, illustrating the line’s robustness at elite level.

Why Choose the Tartakower?

1. Theoretical Practicality: Less razor-sharp than the Zaitsev, Open or Marshall and therefore easier to adopt without memorising reams of theory.
2. Rich Maneuvering Battles: Players who enjoy slow strategic fights akin to the Breyer or Chigorin will feel at home.
3. Transpositional Opportunities: Depending on piece placement Black can transpose into Breyer-, Chigorin-, or even Zaitsev-like structures, keeping the opponent guessing.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Tartakower often annotated his own games with quips. After beating Maroczy with this line he wrote, “My pawns may lack the splendour of the phalanx, but see how they think!”
• Because it starts after 6…d6, some databases label early deviations (e.g. 7.d4 immediately) as “Tartakower without c3.” Others file all 6…d6 lines together under ECO code C77.
• In blitz, grandmasters occasionally play 6…d6 intending a quick queenside fianchetto with …g6 and …Bg7, transposing into a hybrid Ruy-Lopez/King’s Indian Defence structure.

Quick Reference

• ECO Code: C77
• Main Line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 d6
• Typical plans: …Re8, …Bf8, …g6 vs. d2–d4, a2–a4 and kingside space for White.