Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 — Archangel Defence
Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
Definition
The move order 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 defines the Archangel Defence (sometimes called the “Archangelsk” or “Neo-Møller”) to the Spanish Game (Ruy Lopez). After White castles, Black expands on the queenside with 5…b5, retreats Black’s bishop to c5 on the next move, and immediately puts pressure on the vulnerable e4–pawn and the f2–square.
How the Line Is Used
Grandmasters employ the Archangel when they want:
- Active, piece-play positions. The bishop on c5 eyes f2, the open a7–g1 diagonal, and coordinates with …d7–d6 or …d7–d5.
- Imbalance. Black accepts a slightly weakened queenside pawn structure (after …b5–b4 or a later a4) in return for rapid development and central tension.
- The element of surprise. Because the line is less common than 6…Be7 (the Closed Ruy Lopez) or 6…Bb7 (Classical Archangel), it can force White to think for himself early.
Strategic Significance
Typical middle-game themes revolve around:
- Central Breaks. …d5 or …d6 followed by …d5 is a core idea. If Black succeeds, his bishops become monsters.
- Queenside Space vs. Targets. The pawn on b5 gives Black space but can later be fixed with a4 and attacked.
- King Safety Races. Both sides often castle kingside, but Black’s king can come under fire on the long diagonal after a timely c3–d4–e5 pawn push.
- “Spanish” Minor-Piece Battles. The fate of the c5-bishop is critical. If White manages to trade it for his light-squared bishop (Bxc6 Bxc6 Bxc5), Black’s long-term compensation may disappear.
Historical Notes
The variation was analysed extensively in the Soviet city of Arkhangelsk during the 1960s and 1970s, giving rise to its modern name. It was revitalised at top level by Russian grandmasters like Vladimir Epishin and later adopted by stars such as Peter Svidler, Vladimir Kramnik, and Fabiano Caruana.
Typical Continuations
After 6…Bc5 the main branching point arises on move 7:
- 7. c3 d6 8.d4 Bb6 9.a4 (main line)
- 7. a4 Rb8 8.c3 d6 9.d4 (anti-main-line approach)
- 7. Re1 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 (solid setup)
Example Game
The following classic illustrates Black’s dynamic possibilities:
Famous Encounters
- Anand – Caruana, Wijk aan Zee 2014: Caruana equalised comfortably and eventually won in a bishop-ending.
- Kasparov – Shirov, Linares 1993: Shirov’s speculative pawn sacrifice on move 14 led to a spectacular attack.
- Carlsen – Nakamura, London Classic 2015: Demonstrated White’s modern 7.a4 antidote culminating in a balanced endgame.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The first top-level player to use 6…Bc5 regularly was Viktor Kupreichik, whose home city—yes, Archangel (Arkhangelsk)—inspired the name.
- When Kasparov prepared for the 2000 World Championship vs. Kramnik, he brought in specialists on the Archangel but still could not crack Kramnik’s repertoire.
- Computer engines initially disliked Black’s early …Bc5, but with modern hardware it now scores close to parity in databases.
- The line sometimes transposes to the Open Spanish if Black later plays …d5 and …Nxe4.
Practical Tips
- For Black: Know your tactical motifs around the e4-pawn (…Ng4, …Nd4) and be ready for the pawn sacrifice …d5 if required.
- For White: Do not fall behind in development. Moves like c3, d4, and a4 should be timed so Black’s bishops remain without concrete targets.
- End-game specialists note that opposite-coloured bishops often arise after Bxc6 dxc6 and Bxc5; this tends to favour the side with the safer king—usually White—so Black should retain pieces when possible.