Ruy Lopez: Open, Howell Attack

Ruy Lopez: Open, Howell Attack

Definition

The Howell Attack is a sub-variation of the Open Ruy Lopez (ECO C83) that begins after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6 9. Nbd2. By placing the knight on d2 instead of the traditional 9.c3, White reinforces the e5-outpost, keeps the c-pawn flexible, and eyes the c4 and f1 squares for future manoeuvres. The line is named after the English master William Harold Howell (1873-1951), who first analysed it at the turn of the 20th century.

Typical Move Order

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. O-O Nxe4
6. d4 b5
7. Bb3 d5
8. dxe5 Be6
9. Nbd2 … (Howell Attack)

Strategic Ideas

• White:
  • Maintains a protected knight on e5 and delays c2-c3, avoiding an early weakness on d3.
  • Can later play c2-c3 under better circumstances, or reroute the d2-knight via b3/f1 for central pressure.
  • Often castles kingside while keeping queenside expansion (a2-a4, b2-b3) in reserve.
• Black:
  • Strives for …Nc5, …Qd7, and sometimes opposite-side castling with …O-O-O for dynamic play.
  • Must respect latent threats along the a2-g8 diagonal once White’s light-squared bishop is activated.

Historical & Modern Significance

• Tartakower and Keres experimented with the Howell Attack in the 1930s.
• Garry Kasparov used Howell move orders (9.c3 Nc5 10.Nbd2) several times in the 1980s, helping to popularise the system as an alternative to highly analysed Marshall Gambit lines.
• Today the variation is a staple in the repertoires of players who want the activity of the Open Ruy Lopez without forcing equality.

Model Line

The following miniature illustrates the main ideas of the Howell structure:

Common Tactical Themes

• e5 Outpost: White’s knight can jump to f6 or g5, sometimes forcing weaknesses around Black’s king.
• c-file Pressure: The delayed c2-c3 allows later c3-c4 or c3-cxb4 ideas, prying open files on the queenside.
• Forks on c7/e6: The knight on d4 (after exchanges) and the bishop on b3 often coordinate to attack these sensitive squares.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Despite sharing the surname, GM David Howell was born 50 years after the line was christened—but he, too, plays it with success.
• Correspondence-chess databases show the Howell Attack scoring slightly over 55 % for White, confirming its strategic soundness under deep engine scrutiny.
• Because the position remains fluid, elite players sometimes reach Howell-Attack structures via the move order 9.c3 Nc5 10.Nbd2, disguising their intentions until move 10.

When to Choose the Howell Attack

Consider employing the Howell Attack if you:

• Prefer a balanced blend of strategy and tactics rather than all-out theory battles like the Marshall Gambit.
• Enjoy flexible piece manoeuvres and long-term pressure instead of immediate forcing lines.
• Want to keep your opponent guessing about where (and whether) you will castle.