Open Spanish: 6.d4 Be7 — Ruy Lopez
Spanish: Open
Definition
The term “Spanish: Open” (also called the Open Ruy Lopez or simply the Open Spanish) designates the variation of the Ruy Lopez that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4. In contrast to the far more common Closed Spanish, Black immediately captures the e4-pawn, opening the position and creating early tactical skirmishes.
How it is Used in Chess
- A fighting weapon for Black. By seizing the pawn on e4, Black avoids the slowly maneuvering lines of the Closed Spanish and seeks dynamic equality based on piece activity.
- A practical surprise choice for White. Because the Open Spanish is theory-heavy but less often played than the Closed lines, many 1.e4 players face it only occasionally and must know precise continuations after 6.d4.
- Transpositional possibilities. Depending on Black’s 6th-move reply (…b5, …Be7, …d5, or …exd4), play may transpose to the Dilworth Attack, Motylev Variation, or even certain Marshall-style structures.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Historically, the Open Spanish has been employed by world champions from Emanuel Lasker (who unleashed it against Marshall in 1907) all the way to Magnus Carlsen. Its reputation has oscillated:
- In the pre-computer era it was viewed as a double-edged but perfectly sound alternative.
- During the 1980s Kasparov revived it in his matches with Karpov, showing that Black could generate rich counterplay.
- Modern engines confirm its soundness, and elite grandmasters such as Fabiano Caruana and Levon Aronian still wheel it out when they need an uncompromising game with Black.
Typical Ideas and Plans
- Pressure on e5 & d4. After White plays d2-d4 and Re1, the knight on e4 may relocate to d6 or f6, while Black often strikes back with …d5 to free his game.
- Piece activity over structure. Black accepts a slightly worse pawn structure (the e-pawn can become weak) in return for rapid development and open lines.
- Queenside expansion. …b5 is almost obligatory, both to kick the a4-bishop and to support …c5 in some lines.
Illustrative Mini-Position
The bare-bones starting point of the Open Spanish:
Black’s knight on e4 is temporarily centralized but must be defended or evacuated soon.
Famous Games
- Lasker – Marshall, USA 1907: Lasker’s energetic 7.Bxc6 dxc6 8.Re1 exploited the uncastled black king; the world champion eventually converted an initiative into a win.
- Karpov vs. Kasparov, WCh 1987 (Game 22): A model draw where Kasparov neutralized Karpov’s preparation in an Open Spanish line, keeping his title.
- Caruana – Anand, Candidates 2014: Caruana used the Open Spanish with Black, equalised smoothly and later out-played Anand to take full point.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Computer‐approved. Early engines thought Black’s 5…Nxe4 was risky; modern NNUE networks give it respectably equal evaluations.
- The 60-Move Miracle. In Karpov–Kasparov 1985 (Game 16) the Open Spanish produced one of the longest regulation world-title games up to that time—124 moves—ending in a razor-thin draw.
- Psychological Edge. Because many White players spend the bulk of their prep on Closed Spanish tabiyas, springing the Open variation can pay large dividends in practical play.
6.d4 Be7
Definition
The move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 Be7 is the most widely-played branch of the Open Spanish. Instead of the immediate 6…b5 or 6…exd4, Black calmly retreats the f8-bishop to e7, protecting the knight on e5 (after the upcoming …d5) and paving the way for flexible development.
Key Positional Features After 6…Be7
- Piece safety. The bishop’s retreat eliminates motifs such as Re1 pinning the e knight against the bishop on c5 (as would occur after 6…b5).
- Central counter-strike. Black almost always follows up with …b5, …d5 or …O-O to contest the centre and eventually liquidate the e-pawn weakness.
- Balanced pawn structure. The position tends to become semi-open with symmetrical pawns after …d5 and c2-c3; both sides maneuver for outposts on e5, d5 and f5.
Main Line Continuation
7.Re1 b5 8.Bb3 d5 9.dxe5 Be6 is considered the classical main line. From here play can branch into:
- 9…Nc5 (Dilworth Attack) – A very sharp option where Black sacrifices material for attacking chances.
- 11…Nc5 setups – Black claims the c5-square for the knight and targets the d3/d4 complex.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Occupy the centre with c2-c3 and aim for a slow kingside squeeze with Bc2, Qd3, Nbd2-f1-g3.
- Press the e-file with Re1 and possibly double rooks to exploit Black’s backward e-pawn once the centre opens.
- For Black
- Break with …d5 or …c5 at an opportune moment to relieve the e-pawn tension.
- Exchange minor pieces (especially bishops) to reduce White’s attacking potential.
- Use the half-open f-file after …f6 or …f5 to counterattack the white king.
Example Game Fragment
This position (after 12…Qd7) comes from Karpov – Kasparov, World Ch. 1985, Game 16. Both sides have finished development, and the middlegame revolves around the tension on d4-e5-e6.
Famous Games
- Karpov – Kasparov, WCh 1985 (Game 16): A marathon 124-move draw where Kasparov’s precise defence in the 6…Be7 line held up under enormous pressure.
- Aronian – Caruana, Sinquefield Cup 2014: Demonstrated Black’s resourceful counterplay with …f6 and …c5, eventually reaching a dynamic endgame that Caruana saved.
Interesting Nuggets
- Move-order subtleties. Some players reach 6…Be7 via 6…exd4 7.Re1 Be7, but the direct retreat avoids giving White the option of 7.d5!?
- Engine insight. Modern analysis suggests that the modest 10…Qd7 (instead of the older 10…Na5) gives Black excellent chances to equalise.
- The “sliding” bishop. After 6…Be7 the f8-bishop often heads to f6 or g5 later, proving the retreat was only temporary.