Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation
Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense
Definition
The Morphy Defense is the most popular reply to the Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Opening.
It arises after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6
Named after the 19th-century American prodigy Paul Morphy, the move 3…a6
immediately questions the Spanish bishop on b5, forcing it to decide whether to
exchange on c6 or retreat to a4.
Typical Move Order & Usage
After 3…a6 White usually retreats:
4. Ba4 (main line) or 4. Bxc6 (Exchange Variation).
From 4. Ba4 the game normally continues:
- 4…Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 (“Closed” main line)
- 4…Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 (“Open” Defense)
- 4…d6 (“Modern Steinitz” or “Pilnik” setups)
Strategic Ideas
3…a6 serves several purposes:
- Prevents the immediate damage to Black’s pawn structure after Bxc6, allowing Black to recapture with a pawn and keep a healthy center.
- Gains space on the queenside (…b5 follows in many lines), driving the bishop to a less active square.
- Keeps maximum flexibility: Black may develop the king’s knight to f6 without worrying about e5 being pinned, or choose setups with …d6 first.
The resulting positions are among the richest in chess theory, balancing dynamic counterplay with sound pawn structures.
Historical Significance & Famous Games
-
Paul Morphy – Adolf Anderssen, Paris 1858.
One of the earliest showcases; Morphy demonstrated rapid development and central break-throughs. -
Bobby Fischer – Boris Spassky, World Championship 1972 (Games 6, 8 & 10).
Fischer used the Morphy Defense with Black and as White faced it frequently, making it a battleground of the “Match of the Century.” - Garry Kasparov – Anatoly Karpov in multiple world-title encounters; the Closed Morphy Defense was an evergreen feature of their preparations.
Illustrative Mini-Game
A short attacking victory for Black:
Interesting Facts
- Despite its age, the Morphy Defense is still the most played answer to the Ruy Lopez at every rating level, from scholastic tournaments to elite super-GM events.
- Computer analysis continually refreshes the theory; cloud engines now consider many once “dubious” sidelines (e.g., the Arkhangelsk 5…b5 6.Bb3 Bb7) fully playable for Black.
- The opening’s ECO codes span C70 – C99, attesting to its enormous breadth of sub-variations.
Anderssen Variation (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense)
Definition
The Anderssen Variation is a sharp sideline of the Morphy Defense introduced by
the legendary German master Adolf Anderssen. It occurs after:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Bc5
Instead of the routine 4…Nf6, Black develops the bishop aggressively to c5,
eyeing the vulnerable f2-square and preparing an early thrust in the center.
ECO code: C70.
Move-by-Move Breakdown
- 1. e4 e5 – Standard King’s Pawn opening.
- 2. Nf3 Nc6 – Black defends e5 and develops.
- 3. Bb5 – The Ruy Lopez. White targets the c6-knight.
- 3…a6 – Morphy’s move forces the bishop’s decision.
- 4. Ba4 – The main retreat, keeping pressure on e5.
- 4…Bc5 – The Anderssen Variation. Black pins the e3-square and readies …d6 or …f5.
Strategic Themes
- Counter-attack on f2: With the bishop aimed at f2 and the queen able to join via h4 or f6, Black hopes for tactical chances against White’s king.
- Unbalanced Development: Black delays kingside knight development (…Nf6) and castling, striving for rapid piece activity instead.
- Center Tension: The line often features an early …d5 pawn break. Example: 5.O-O Nf6 6.c3 d5!?
- Risk vs. Reward: If Black’s initiative fizzles, the awkward placement of the c5-bishop (subject to d2-d4) can leave Black slightly cramped.
Representative Game
Adolf Anderssen – Paul Morphy, Paris 1858 (Blindfold). Though Anderssen’s idea bears his name, Morphy actually won the following instructive skirmish: [[Pgn| e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|Bb5|a6|Ba4|Bc5|O-O|d6|c3|Bg4|h3|h5|d4|exd4|cxd4|b5|dxc5|dxc5 ]]
Assessment
Modern theory rates the Anderssen Variation as playable but double-edged. Engines give White a small plus with accurate play, yet practical chances for Black remain abundant, especially in faster time controls where unfamiliarity can pay dividends.
Interesting Nuggets
- Many club players confuse 4…Bc5 (Anderssen) with 5…Bc5 after 4…Nf6 5.O-O Bc5, the Archangelsk (C78). The move order significantly changes the tactical landscape.
- The variation briefly surged in popularity after Alexei Shirov used it to defeat several grandmasters in the 1990s, showcasing combustible sacrifices on f2 and g3.
- Some modern correspondence and engine games resurrect 6…Ng4!? gambits, indicating that unexplored resources still lurk beneath the surface.