Spanish: Open and 8...Be6 9.Be3
Spanish: Open (Open Ruy Lopez)
Definition
The term “Spanish: Open” refers to the Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez (also called the Spanish Opening). After the standard moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O, Black immediately captures the e-pawn with 5…Nxe4. Instead of the locked center typical of the Closed Ruy Lopez, the position becomes “open”: central files are quickly cleared and pieces are exchanged at an early stage.
Typical Move-Order
The main tabiya is reached after
- 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6
White can also choose 6. Re1 or 6. Qe2. Black may divert with sub-lines such as the Riga Variation (6…d5) or the aggressive Dilworth Variation (8…Bc5).
Strategic Themes
- Piece Activity. Both sides fight for rapid development; the side that moves first often sacrifices structural soundness for time.
- c-file Pressure. Black’s queen rook frequently comes to c8, contesting the semi-open c-file.
- Isolated or Hanging Pawns. Many endings revolve around the weakness (or strength) of the d4 or d5 pawn after exchanges.
- King Safety. With queens still on the board and open lines, castling decisions are critical; opposite-side attacks are not uncommon.
Historical Significance
The Open Ruy became fashionable in the late-19th century— Emanuel Lasker used it as early as 1894. In the 20th century José Raúl Capablanca, Viktor Kortchnoi and more recently Alexei Shirov and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave have all employed the variation at elite level. It serves as a dynamic alternative to the heavily analysed Closed Ruy Lopez systems such as the Marshall Attack.
Illustrative Game
Kortchnoi – Timman, Wijk aan Zee 1984:
Interesting Facts
- The line 8…Bc5 (Dilworth) can lead to wild complications, including positions two pieces down with mating attacks—perfect material for tactical puzzles.
- The Riga Variation (6…d5) was resurrected by Latvian grandmasters in the 1990s—fitting, because “Riga” is Latvia’s capital.
- Computer assessments of the Open Ruy often fluctuate sharply; modern engines find resources for both sides that humans long thought dubious.
8…Be6 9.Be3 (French Defence, Tarrasch Variation Main Line)
Definition
The sequence “8…Be6 9.Be3” designates the critical branching point in the French Defence, Tarrasch Variation, reached after
- e4 e6
- d4 d5
- Nd2 Nf6
- e5 Nfd7
- Bd3 c5
- c3 Nc6
- Ne2 cxd4
- cxd4 Be6
- Be3
After Black’s bishop emerges to e6, striking the c4-square and waiting to see White’s intentions, White usually mirrors with 9.Be3, protecting d4 and eyeing g5. The position is a cornerstone of Tarrasch theory and frequently arises in grand-master practice.
Strategic Ideas
- Minor-Piece Tension. The bishops on e6 and e3 can be exchanged (…Be7, …Bg5) or preserved, leading to opposite-colored bishop middlegames where initiative outweighs structure.
- Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP) Potential. After the central break …f6 or …c4, one side often accepts an isolated pawn to gain activity.
- King Placement. White castles kingside in most lines, but queenside castling is possible, especially if Black plays …Qb6 early. Black must time …Be7-O-O carefully to avoid tactical shots on g7.
Main Branches after 9.Be3
- 9…Qb6 – The most challenging, hitting d4 and b2 and pressuring the center. Play might continue 10.O-O cxd4 11.Nxd4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 Qxd4 13.Bb5+.
- 9…Bb4+ – Forcing White’s knight to c3 or d2, leading to structural imbalances. A classic line is 10.Nc3 O-O 11.O-O f6.
- 9…f6 – Immediate challenge to e5, often transposing to 9…Bb4+ lines if White blocks with Nf4.
Historical & Practical Significance
Curiously, the line dates back to Siegbert Tarrasch himself (Munich 1916), but its modern theoretical importance surged after Anatoly Karpov used it as Black against Viktor Kortchnoi in the 1978 World Championship match. The variation appeals to French players who prefer fluid piece play over the clogged positions of the Winawer or classical French.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Kortchnoi, Game 17, Baguio 1978:
Interesting Nuggets
- When both bishops remain on e6 and e3 deep into the middlegame, the structure is humorously called “the handshake,” because the bishops look like two players leaning across the board.
- In some sidelines, White deliberately delays Be3, aiming instead for Nf4 and g3–h4–h5, creating a “minority attack” against Black’s king— a concept borrowed from the Queen’s Gambit.
- The line has produced several sparkling novelties by French expert Étienne Bacrot, who introduced a forcing piece sacrifice (10…Nxe5!? in the 9…Qb6 line) at the 2002 French Championship.