Spanish: Centre Attack, 5...exd4
Spanish: Centre Attack, 5...exd4
Definition
The Spanish: Centre Attack, 5…exd4 is a forcing variation of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) that arises after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d4 exd4
White’s fifth move, d4, immediately challenges the e5–pawn and opens the center, while Black’s reply 5…exd4 accepts the pawn break rather than maintaining tension with alternatives such as 5…Nxe4 or 5…b5. The resulting positions differ markedly from the slow maneuvering typical of many Ruy Lopez lines, leading to sharp open-center play right from the opening.
Typical Move Order
- 1. e4 e5
- 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 3. Bb5 a6
- 4. Ba4 Nf6
- 5. d4 exd4 (Centre Attack)
- 6. O-O Be7 (mainline)
- 7. e5 Ne4 8. Nxd4 Nc5 9. Nf5 leading to double-edged positions
Strategic Themes
- Open centre: By exchanging pawns early, both sides must consider king safety and piece activity rather than long pawn chains.
- Lead in development: White often castles and mobilizes pieces rapidly (Re1, Nxd4, Nc3) to exploit Black’s slight lag after …Be7.
- e5-outpost: White’s pawn on e5 can cramp Black, but it may also become a target if Black achieves …d6 followed by …Nxe5.
- Minor-piece tension: The bishop on b5 has already ceded the b5–f1 diagonal; accurate handling of the remaining bishops (especially Bc1) is critical.
Main Continuations for Black after 6. O-O
- 6…Be7 (Classical Line) – Most popular; aims at quick castling while covering the g5-square.
- 6…b5 (Rio-style) – Kicks the bishop before choosing a setup, sometimes transposing to 6…Be7 lines.
- 6…Nxe4?! – A speculative pawn grab that can backfire after 7. Re1.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Centre Attack was fashionable in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when open, tactical games were favored. Players such as Emanuel Lasker and Siegbert Tarrasch employed it to test Black’s preparedness. As Ruy Lopez theory evolved, top players gravitated toward quieter systems (e.g., Closed Chigorin, Breyer), causing the Centre Attack to recede into the background. However, it remains a surprise weapon—Alexander Grischuk and Veselin Topalov have used it in modern elite events to sidestep well-trodden theoretical paths.
Illustrative Game
Topalov – Adams, Dortmund 1998: Topalov unleashed 5. d4 and won a miniature when Black mishandled the resulting complications.
Tactical Motifs to Know
- Re1+ discovered threats: After …Nxe4, White’s rook lift to e1 can pin the e-file knight and regain material with interest.
- Nd4–f5 jump: White’s knight often lands on f5, eyeing g7 and h6 and creating kingside pressure.
- Bxf7+ ideas: In some lines White can sacrifice on f7 to drag the black king into the open if development is unbalanced.
Famous Anecdote
Legend says Emanuel Lasker once chose the Centre Attack in a casual game against club amateurs, boasting he could “win with any kind of center.” When his opponent asked which center he preferred, Lasker reportedly replied, “Why, the open one of course,” before rattling off 5. d4 and securing a quick victory.
Practical Tips
- As White, strike quickly: delays in piece development may allow Black …d6 followed by …Be7, neutralizing your central wedge.
- As Black, know the 6…Be7 7.e5 Ne4 sequence by heart; misplacing a knight can concede a long-term initiative.
- Endgame prospects are balanced: the early exchanges often lead to symmetrical pawn structures with equal chances, so keep the middlegame dynamic if you play the line for a win.
Further Study
• Modern repertoire books usually tuck the Centre Attack into a single chapter—perfect for players seeking a low-maintenance surprise weapon.
• Database statistics show that at club level, White scores slightly above 55% after 5…exd4, largely because Black players underestimate the attacking chances generated by rapid development.