Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4

Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4

Definition

The line Spanish: Old Steinitz, 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 is a branch of the Ruy Lopez (also called the Spanish Opening) that arises after the moves:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4

It is dubbed “Old Steinitz” because Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official World Champion, frequently employed early …d6 setups in the Ruy Lopez during the 1860s–1880s. The term distinguishes it from the Modern Steinitz Defense (3…a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O d6).

Typical Move Order and Position

After 5.Nxd4, the position features:

• White knights on f3 and d4, bishop on b5, and usually an impending c2-c4 or Nc3.
• Black pawn structure e5–d6 has been exchanged, leaving Black with a semi-open e-file but a somewhat cramped setup.
• Black often chooses between 5…Bd7, 5…Nf6, or 5…Bd7 6.Nc3 g6 plans.

Diagram after 5.Nxd4 (Black to move):

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: By exchanging on d4, Black has relieved the immediate e4–e5 tension but ceded central space. White enjoys an extra central pawn (e4) versus Black’s d6 pawn.
• Development vs. Solidity: Black’s structure is solid, yet the dark-squared bishop is locked behind the d6-e5 pawn chain. White strives for rapid development (Nc3, O-O, Re1) and may target the e-file or play c2-c4 to gain further space.
• Piece Placement: A recurring motif is pushing c2-c4 followed by Nb1-c3, exerting pressure on d5 and b5. Black often replies with …Nf6, …Be7, …O-O and either …Re8 or …g6 …Bg7.
• Endgame Leaning: Many lines transition to minor-piece endgames where White’s space and bishop pair can be meaningful. Conversely, Black aims to exchange pieces to alleviate congestion.

Historical Significance

Steinitz propagated the idea that a strong defensive center (pawns on e5 and d6) could blunt White’s initiative. In his era, opponents struggled to break it, but theory evolved to show that White can obtain a persistent edge if he plays energetically. The line declined in top-level popularity after the hyper-modern revolution (Nimzowitsch & Réti) preferred quicker …Nf6 activity, yet it remains playable and surprise-worthy.

Illustrative Games

1. Steinitz – Chigorin, Havana 1889
   A classical model where Steinitz defended stoutly but eventually lost after Chigorin’s active central pawn storm. Demonstrates early theoretical debates on whether Black’s cramped setup could hold.
2. Karpov – Unzicker, Nice Olympiad 1974
   Karpov employed the quiet 6.Nc3 and slowly expanded on the kingside, converting a small space advantage—an endorsement that the line can still serve positional masters.
3. Morozevich – Bacrot, Biel 2003
   A modern treatment with 5…Nf6 6.O-O Bd7 7.Nc3 Be7. White’s c2-c4 clamp led to a long maneuvering struggle; Morozevich eventually prevailed in a double-rook endgame.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

• White
  • Rapid castle: O-O, Re1, Nc3, sometimes c2-c4.
  • Pressure the e-file: Re1, Qf3 or Qe2 targeting e5.
  • Bishop redeployment: Bb5-e2 or Bc4 to target f7.
• Black
  • Solid setup: …Nf6, …Be7, …O-O, keeping the structure intact.
  • Counter-punch: …g6 and …Bg7 challenging the center, or …c5 undermining d4.
  • Piece swaps: Well-timed …Nxd4 or …d5 breaks to reduce space disadvantage.

Current Theoretical Status

The Old Steinitz is considered sound but passive. Engine assessments give White a small plus (+0.3 to +0.6) with best play. It rarely appears in elite tournaments, but it is a respectable weapon at club level, especially for players who relish solid, strategic battles and are well-versed in the ensuing structures.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Steinitz once claimed his defensive ideas were “irrefutable” and that opponents who attacked the fortress would “dash themselves to pieces upon the rocks.” Modern engines are less romantic but still find Black survivable.
• In the 1960s, Bobby Fischer experimented with 4…d6 briefly in blitz, calling it “good for a surprise when everyone expects 3…a6 4…Nf6.”
• The line’s rigidity inspired the quip “crawling like Steinitz” in earlier Soviet literature, contrasting it with the sharper Breyer or Marshall systems.

Summary

The Spanish: Old Steinitz (4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4) is a venerable but slightly antiquated defense that offers Black a rock-solid stance at the cost of space. While no longer fashionable at the very top, it remains theoretically viable and instructive for studying classical center strategies, Steinitzian defensive principles, and the eternal chess struggle between space and solidity.