Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 Bd7 5.Nc3

Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 Bd7 5.Nc3

Definition

The Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 Bd7 5.Nc3, is a sub-variation of the Ruy López (Spanish) opening. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 (the Old Steinitz Defence) 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3. Black’s 3…d6 sets up a rock–solid but somewhat passive fortress; the early 4…Bd7 relieves the pin on the c6-knight, while White’s 4.d4 and 5.Nc3 aim to seize central space and accelerate development.

Typical Move-Order

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 d6  (Old Steinitz Defence)
4. d4 Bd7
5. Nc3 … (several Black replies)

Strategic Themes

• Central tension: After 4.d4 White threatens d4-d5 or dxe5, trying to secure a space advantage. Black must decide whether to capture on d4, support the e-pawn, or counter-attack elsewhere.
• Piece placement: The bishop on d7 looks modest; later it often returns to e6 or g4, or is exchanged after …a6 Bxc6 Bxc6.
• Flexibility vs. passivity: Steinitz believed his structure could absorb pressure and eventually break in the centre with …f5 or …d5. Modern engines show the line to be playable but slightly cramped for Black.
• Pawn breaks: White’s main plans revolve around d4-d5, f2-f4, and sometimes Bxc6 followed by dxe5. Black’s breaks include …exd4, …Nf6, …g6, or the classic Steinitz thrust …f5.

Main Continuations after 5.Nc3

• 5…Nf6 6.O-O Be7 – “Classical” development; Black keeps the centre closed and prepares to castle.
• 5…exd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.O-O – Immediate clarification in the centre, often leading to symmetrical pawn structures but easier play for White.
• 5…a6 6.Bxc6 Bxc6 – Forces the trade on c6, doubling Black’s pawns but giving the bishop pair.

Historical Context

Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official World Champion, introduced 3…d6 in the 1870s as part of his revolutionary “accumulation of small advantages” philosophy. Because the bishop comes to d7 immediately (instead of being delayed by 3…a6 in the later “Steinitz Deferred”), the variation is called the Old Steinitz. It featured prominently in Steinitz’s World-Championship matches against Johan Zukertort (1886) and Mikhail Chigorin (1892). Today it appears rarely at elite level but survives as a surprise weapon in rapid or correspondence games.

Illustrative Game

Tarrasch – Steinitz, Dresden 1892

Steinitz absorbs early pressure, untangles, and eventually wins a lengthy endgame—an instructive demonstration of his defensive technique.

Practical Tips

• For White: Castle quickly, keep pieces active, and prepare the thematic d4-d5 break. Be alert to tactical shots on e5 and c6.
• For Black: Do not drift into passivity—aim for timely …f5 or …d5. Remember that the bishop can reroute via e6 or g4 to increase activity.
• Move-order finesse: In blitz games, many opponents mis-place a knight or queen after 5…Nf6 6.O-O, allowing d4-d5 with a fork.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line was once dubbed “the Old Steinitz” by Emanuel Lasker in his 1895 manual to differentiate it from the then-modern 3…a6 variation.
• Steinitz reputedly played it in casual games with both colours, claiming it taught students “how to suffer with dignity.”
• In computer analysis, engines often oscillate between small pluses for White and full equality, reflecting the rich, manoeuvring nature of the structure.