Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 7.c3 (Arkhangelsk)

Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 7.c3 (Arkhangelsk / Archangel Variation)

Definition

This move-sequence is a specific branch of the Ruy Lopez (also called the Spanish Opening). Starting from the main line 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6, it continues 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 7.c3. The position after 7.c3 marks the entry into the Arkhangelsk (or “Archangel”) Variation, named after the Russian city Arkhangelsk where the system was analysed intensively in the 1960s–70s.

Move Order Recap

1. e4  e5
2. Nf3  Nc6
3. Bb5  a6
4. Ba4  Nf6
5. O-O  b5
6. Bb3  Bc5
7. c3

Usage in Practice

• Black aims for active piece play rather than the classical …Be7 solid set-up. • By placing the bishop on c5, Black pressures f2 and the e-file, encouraging dynamic play and often an early …d5 pawn break. • White’s 7.c3 prepares d2–d4, consolidates the centre, and gives the bishop on b3 a retreat square at c2 if attacked by …Na5.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Both sides jockey for the timely advance …d5 (Black) versus d4 (White).
• Bishop Activity: Black’s light-squared bishop is aggressively posted; White often counters by rerouting the c2-knight via d2–f1–g3 to attack e5 and f5.
• Minor-Piece Maneuvers: Typical ideas include …Na5–c4 or …Bb7–Qa7 for Black, while White may aim for a3–b4 to undermine the c5-bishop.
• King Safety: Although both kings are castled short, the open lines down the a2–g8 diagonal and the e-file mean tactical shots are never far away.

Typical Plans

For White:

• Play d2–d4 in one move if possible; otherwise prepare it with Re1, h3, and Nbd2–f1.
• Target the e5 pawn after the knight manoeuvre Nf3–d2–f1–g3.
• Expand on the queenside with a3 and b4 to question the bishop on c5.

For Black:

• Strike in the centre with …d5, often sacrificing a pawn for piece activity.
• Use the c5-bishop, a6-rook (after …Rb8), and queen to attack f2.
• Create pressure along the a7–g1 diagonal with …Bb7 and …Qa7.

Historical & Notable Games

• Geller – Karpov, Moscow 1971: One of the earliest high-level tests; Karpov demonstrated Black’s dynamic possibilities and drew comfortably.
• Karpov – Shirov, Linares 1993: Shirov’s sparkling exchange sacrifice on f3 became a modern classic illustrating Black’s attacking potential.
• Caruana – Nakamura, Candidates 2016: Showed the robustness of White’s pawn-sacrifice line 8.d4 exd4 9.e5 with a complex middlegame leading to a draw.

Example Position

After 7.c3 the starting tabiya can be replayed here:
The arrows (f2c5, e5d4) highlight the main tactical ideas.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The variation was popularised by Soviet analysts residing in the northern port city of Arkhangelsk, hence the name. “Archangel” is simply the English translation.
• Alexei Shirov earned the nickname “Fire on Board” partly because of his trademark use of the Arkhangelsk, often sacrificing material for initiative.
• Computers evaluate the resulting positions as roughly equal, yet practical results show Black scoring slightly above average at elite level, underlining its fighting character.
• Because the bishop goes to c5 after …b5, purists distinguish this line from the older Møller Defence (5.O-O Bc5), although they share many motifs.

Further Study

Players wishing to adopt the Arkhangelsk should be comfortable with sharp, unbalanced positions and be ready to memorise concrete tactical resources. For White, understanding the timing of d4 and recognising when to return material for activity are critical skills.