Spanish: Closed, 6.d3 b5 - Anti-Marshall (Ruy Lopez)
Spanish: Closed
Definition
The term “Spanish: Closed” refers to the Closed Variation of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening), one of the richest and most deeply analysed openings in chess. The characteristic position arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7, when Black defers an immediate …b5–…Bb7 in favour of solid development with …Be7, often followed by …d6 and …O-O. The resulting “closed” centre fosters long-term manoeuvring rather than early tactical clashes.
Typical Move Order
The most common starting sequence is:
After 9. h3, we reach a tabiya in which both sides have a multitude of plans: White can play d4 or d3, maneuver the knight to g3 or f1–g3, and probe on the queenside with a4; Black can aim for …c5 or the Marshall Attack with …d5 (if White plays 8. c3 0-0 9. d4).
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: The pawn tension in the centre remains unresolved for a long time. Choosing the right moment for …d5 (Black) or d4 (White) is critical.
- Piece Manoeuvring: Knights often travel mysterious routes, e.g., Nb1–d2–f1–g3 (for White) or …Nb8–d7–f8–g6 (for Black).
- Queenside Space: Black’s …b5 gains space and questions the b3-bishop; White counters with a4 to generate weaknesses.
- Kingside Expansion: White’s pawn advances g4 or h4-h5 can appear in many modern lines, especially when Black commits to …g6.
Historical Significance
The Closed Spanish became the main battleground of World Championship matches in the 20th century. José Raúl Capablanca used it to great effect against Emanuel Lasker (1921), while Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov famously debated its subtleties in the 1980s. Its depth is such that new ideas still arise today despite centuries of study.
Illustrative Games
- Capablanca – Lasker, Havana 1921 (Game 10): Capa’s classical piece placement and timely d4 break demonstrated the positional power of the Closed Spanish.
- Kasparov – Karpov, World Ch. 1985 (Game 16): Kasparov uncorked the modern 9. h3 and 11. g4 idea, seizing kingside space and winning a model attacking game.
Interesting Facts
- The ECO codes C84–C99 are almost entirely devoted to Closed Spanish sub-lines, illustrating its enormous complexity.
- Because engines long undervalued slow manoeuvring, modern engine matches have reignited interest by revealing hidden dynamic resources for both sides.
- The Closed Spanish is a favourite of many champions: Fischer, Karpov, Anand, Carlsen—all used it with both colours.
6.d3 b5 (Anti-Marshall, Modern Line)
Definition
The sequence 6. d3 b5 arises in the Ruy Lopez after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5. By playing 6. d3 instead of the classical 6. Re1, White sidesteps the razor-sharp Marshall Gambit (…d5) and steers the game into a quieter, flexible set-up. Black’s immediate 6…b5 grabs queenside space and keeps the game within the Closed Spanish family, but with distinct plans and piece placements.
Why Choose 6.d3?
- Anti-Marshall Device: Prevents Black’s theoretical 8…d5 sacrifice in the main Marshall Attack.
- Flexibility: White may develop with c3, Nbd2, Re1, or even a4 at leisure, deciding on d4 only when prepared.
- Reduced Theory: Compared with the massive Marshall body of knowledge, 6. d3 requires less memorisation while remaining strategically sound.
Plans After 6…b5
- White’s Ideas
- Play a2-a4 to undermine the b5-pawn.
- Set up c2-c3 & d3-d4 when convenient, retaining central control.
- Transfer the queen’s knight: Nb1–d2–f1–g3, eyeing f5/h5 squares.
- Occasionally, kingside expansion with h3–g4 resembles the Karpov–Kasparov battles.
- Black’s Ideas
- Complete development with …d6, …O-O, …Re8, and choose between …Bb7 or …Na5–c4.
- Counter in the centre with …c5 or …d5 once prepared.
- If White plays a4 too early, Black may sacrifice the b-pawn for activity (…c5!).
Notable Games Featuring 6.d3 b5
-
Carlsen – Anand, World Ch. 2013 (Game 5)
Anand unleashed the topical 6…b5 7. Bb3 d6 and equalised comfortably, showing Black’s resilience. -
Aronian – Nakamura, London 2016
Aronian’s slow build-up with a4 and Nbd2–f1–g3 led to a kingside bind, illustrating White’s strategic trumps. -
Nepo – Ding, Candidates 2020
Ding’s instructive …c5 break highlighted Black’s dynamic resourcefulness even in supposedly “quiet” Anti-Marshall lines.
Typical Position (Tactical Snapshot)
In this common setup, note the tension along the a4–e8 diagonal, the standby manoeuvre Nb1–d2–f1, and the latent central pawn breaks.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 6. d3 gained massive popularity after Peter Leko employed it to neutralise Vladimir Kramnik’s Marshall in the early 2000s.
- Engines evaluate the position as nearly equal, but practical results slightly favour White in human play because of Black’s narrower margin for error.
- Some databases label the line “C84/85—Spanish: Closed, 6.d3 b5,” blending two concepts the way web PGN headers often do.