Ruy Lopez: Nürnberg Variation
Ruy Lopez: Nürnberg Variation
Definition
The Nürnberg Variation is a branch of the Steinitz Defence to the Ruy Lopez that arises after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7
Black replies to White’s central thrust (4. d4) by breaking the pin on the c6–knight with 4…Bd7 instead of the more common 4…exd4 or 4…Bd7 played one move later. The line is named after the International Tournament held in Nürnberg in 1896, where it was tried several times.
Typical Move Order
The most frequently played continuation is:
- 5. Nc3 Nf6
- 6. O-O Be7
- 7. Re1 O-O
- 8. Bxc6 Bxc6
leading to an unbalanced middlegame where White enjoys a share of space while Black possesses the bishop pair and a solid but slightly passive structure.
Strategic Themes
- Breaking the pin. …Bd7 unpins the c6-knight, preparing …exd4 at an opportune moment and freeing the queen to go to e7 or f6.
- Flexible centre. Black keeps tension in the centre; depending on White’s plan, Black may strike with …f5 or consolidate with …c6.
- Piece activity vs. structure. White aims for rapid development (Nc3, Be3, Qe2, Rd1) and central space, while Black relies on a compact pawn chain (d6–e5) and the long-term power of the bishops.
- Choice of capture. After 5.Nc3 White can immediately play 5.dxe5 or 5.Bxc6; each leads to a different type of middlegame.
Historical Notes
• First spotlighted at the Nürnberg 1896 tournament in games such
as Tarrasch–Teichmann and Janowski–Alapin.
• Though never a front-line defence at grand-master level, it appeals
to players who like the Steinitz Defence but want to avoid
heavy theory associated with 4…exd4.
• World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz himself experimented with related
set-ups in the late 19th century, but the early …Bd7 move order was
the Nürnberg innovation.
Illustrative Game
Siegbert Tarrasch – Richard Teichmann, Nürnberg 1896
Tarrasch’s 9.O-O led to a quintessential Nürnberg structure. After energetic central play he out-maneuvered Teichmann in a long endgame, demonstrating the latent power of White’s space advantage.
Practical Usage
- Surprise weapon. Because it is less common than the Modern Steinitz (4…exd4) or Classical (3…a6), it can take an unprepared opponent out of book early.
- Suitable for classical and rapid. Its solid nature makes it reliable in slow time-controls, yet the unusual move order scores well in blitz because White often spends time thinking about the best plan.
- Recommended repertoire placement. Players of the Pirc or Philidor may find the structures familiar and transposable.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation’s German-spelled name “Nürnberg” sometimes appears anglicised as “Nuremberg” in databases; both refer to the same line.
- Grandmaster Bent Larsen revived the line in the 1970s, scoring a notable win against GM Hubner in a thematic exhibition match.
- Because the bishop on d7 often retreats to c6 later, commentators jokingly call it “a one-move tour” reminiscent of a tourist seeing Nürnberg’s old city walls before heading home.
Summary
The Nürnberg Variation offers Black a classical, strategically rich alternative within the Steinitz Defence. By inserting …Bd7 at move four, Black sidesteps mainstream theory, keeps a sturdy pawn centre, and aims for a battle of manoeuvre in which patient play and the bishop pair can eventually tell.