Spanish: Centre Attack, 5...Nxd4

Spanish: Centre Attack

Definition

The Spanish (Ruy Lopez): Centre Attack is a forcing branch of the Ruy Lopez that begins with the pawn thrust 5.d4. The usual move order is:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d4. By immediately challenging the e5-pawn and opening lines in the centre, White steers the game away from the quieter positional main lines into sharp, tactical territory.

Strategic Ideas

• Central Tension. White’s pawn on d4 hits e5 and invites either 5…exd4 (the main reply) or the more adventurous 5…Nxd4.
• Piece Activity. After the typical sequence 5…exd4 6.O-O, White often gains rapid development and pressure against the e-file once the central pawns are exchanged.
• Imbalance. Compared to the “Closed” Spanish, the Centre Attack generally leads to open positions with opposite-side piece activity, making it an attractive surprise weapon.

Historical Notes

The line was popularised in the late 19^th century by Emil Schallopp and Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch, who valued central control over the slow manoeuvring typical of the Ruy Lopez. It has never become mainstream at elite level, but it appears periodically as a surprise choice—most notably by Alexander Morozovich in the 2000s.

Typical Continuations

1. Main Line 5…exd4 6.O-O b5 7.Bb3 Be7 8.e5 Ne4 9.Nxd4 O-O.
2. 5…Nxe4 (the “Open Spanish”).
3. 5…Nxd4 (the sub-variation discussed in the next section).

Illustrative Miniature

The game fragment shows how quickly the e-file can open, allowing White’s rooks to invade.

Fun Fact

Because the Centre Attack often produces open files directly in front of White’s rooks, some training manuals from the 1960s nicknamed it the “Fire-hose Variation”—once the centre bursts, the rooks extinguish Black’s position!

5…Nxd4 in the Ruy Lopez Centre Attack

Definition

5…Nxd4 is Black’s immediate knight capture on d4 after the Centre Attack move 5.d4. The full sequence is:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d4 Nxd4. Black sidesteps the more common recapture …exd4, hoping to seize the initiative by removing the advanced pawn at once and forcing White into early complications.

Evaluation & Strategic Significance

• Risk-Reward Balance. The move is considered dubious but playable. Black gains a tempo and breaks up White’s centre, yet concedes the bishop pair and falls behind in development.
• Critical Tactics. After 6.Nxd4 exd4 7.e5, White chases the f6-knight and opens lines for the light-squared bishop on c1, generating strong pressure.
• Psychological Surprise. Because the line is rare at master level, it can catch an unprepared opponent off guard, making it a favourite in club play and rapid time controls.

Key Line

5…Nxd4 6.Nxd4 exd4 7.e5 Ne4 8.Qxd4 Nc5 9.Bb3 Nxb3 10.axb3 leaves White with the bishop pair and a semi-open a-file, while Black’s pawn structure is compromised.

Representative Game

Although top-level examples are scarce, the following 2021 rapid game shows the practical dangers for Black:

Practical Tips

• After 5…Nxd4, play quickly and energetically— the side that hesitates usually ends up worse.
• If you have White, memorise the forcing line up to move 10; most of Black’s alternatives lead to similar positions where the bishop pair shines.
• With Black, be ready to sacrifice a pawn back for development (…d6 or …c5) rather than trying to hold on materially.

Trivia

In the ICC blitz pool of the early 2000s, 5…Nxd4 was jokingly called “the ‘Knightmare’ Defence” because one mis-placed knight move could spell disaster for Black.