Spanish: Moeller Defence, 6.c3
Spanish: Møller Defence
Definition
The Møller Defence (sometimes spelled “Moeller”) is a sideline of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening) that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5. Black immediately develops the king’s-bishop to the active c5-square instead of the more common 5…Be7 (Closed Ruy Lopez) or 5…b5 (Open Ruy Lopez).
Typical Move Order
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5 (diagram after Black’s 5th move).
Strategic Ideas
- Rapid development: By placing the bishop on c5, Black hopes to accelerate piece activity and discourage White’s central pawn breaks.
- Pressure on f2: The bishop eyes the vulnerable f2-square, which can become a tactical motif if White is careless.
- Countering d4: The placement on c5 directly contests the d4-square, a key lever for White in many Ruy Lopez lines.
- Potential downside: The bishop can become a tactical target after the thematic white thrust c2-c3 followed by d2-d4, gaining time by attacking the piece.
Historical Context
The line is named after Danish master Jørgen Møller (1873-1944), who analysed and played it extensively at the turn of the 20th century. Although never a mainstream defence at elite level, it has served as a surprise weapon and remains popular in club play, rapid, and blitz.
Illustrative Example
A thematic continuation showing both opportunities and pitfalls:
In this sharp line, White’s 6.c3 prepares d4, gaining time on the c5-bishop. Black must react precisely; otherwise tactical shots on f7/f2 or the long a2–g8 diagonal can appear.
Interesting Facts
- Because White’s attack is sometimes called the Møller Attack, the same surname labels plans for both sides—occasionally leading to confusion in literature.
- World Champion Emanuel Lasker tried the Møller Defence against Carl Schlechter (Vienna 1898) but obtained only a difficult position, helping to cement the opinion that Black must play accurately.
- Modern engines consider the line playable but slightly inferior; nonetheless, it features regularly in online blitz, where practical chances and unfamiliarity often outweigh objective evaluation.
6.c3 (in the Møller Defence)
Definition
The move 6. c3 is White’s main reply to 5…Bc5 in the Møller Defence. It supports the central advance d2-d4, gives the queen’s knight a retreat square on c2, and restricts Black’s bishop on c5 by attacking it with an upcoming d4 push.
Purpose and Strategic Themes
- Preparing d4: The immediate goal is to build a strong pawn center with tempo—after 6…O-O 7.d4 the bishop must decide where to go, allowing White to seize space.
- Controlling key squares: The pawn on c3 covers d4 and b4, discouraging Black’s knight hops and potential …Nb4 ideas.
- Knight route: In some lines the knight on b1 travels Nb1-d2-f1-g3 or e3. The c3-pawn clears the way.
- Flexibility: The move keeps options open. Depending on Black’s reply, White may castle queenside in aggressive variations or maintain a classical kingside setup.
Typical Continuations after 6.c3
- 6…O-O 7.d4 exd4 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.d5
White gains space and chases Black’s knight from c6; highly tactical. - 6…d6 7.d4 Bb6 8.d5
Similar space-gain, but with Black’s king still in the center. - 6…b5 7.Bc2 d5 !? (Archangel-Møller cross)
Black sacrifices a pawn for activity—an idea borrowed from the Archangel Defence.
Historical and Practical Significance
The 6.c3 setup embodies classical Ruy Lopez ideas: consolidate, then break in the center. Its longevity attests to its sound strategic basis. Even computer analysis confirms that, with best play, White retains a small edge but Black’s active piece placement yields counterplay—making the line attractive for fighting chess.
Model Game
A frequently quoted encounter is the tactical slug-fest Bogoljubov – Vidmar, Gothenburg 1920:
Both players walked a tactical tightrope, illustrating the double-edged nature of 6.c3 followed by d4 and d5.
Anecdotes & Trivia
- In blitz, many players still fall for the “Greek-gift–like” sacrifice Bxf2+ that can appear if White forgets to play h3 before d4.
- GM Sergey Karjakin occasionally employed 6.c3 in online speed chess, demonstrating that even at the highest level the move remains a practical headache for Black.
- The pawn structure after 6.c3 has parallels with the Italian Game – Evans Gambit; both feature a c-pawn advance aimed at undermining a bishop on c5.