Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation

Before the first move

The Averbakh Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a solid, classical approach where Black reinforces the center early with d6. You will navigate a rich, maneuvering battle where White seeks a space advantage while Black maintains a flexible, resilient structure.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This move occupies the center and opens pathways for your queen and light-squared bishop to enter the game. It is the most popular starting move for a reason.

1... e5Black

Black replies with e5, the Open Game. While alternatives like the Sicilian Defense (c5) or the French Defense (e6) are popular, this symmetrical response remains the most classical way to fight for equality.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move develops a piece toward the center, prepares for kingside castling, and puts immediate pressure on Black's e5-pawn.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... Nc6Black

Black plays Nc6, the most common defense. You might also see the Petrov Defense (Nf6) or the Philidor (d6), but defending the pawn with the knight keeps the most options open for Black's development.

Other paths here: d5 (Elephant Gambit) · Qe7 (Gunderam Defense) · Bc5 (King's Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit) · f6 (King's Pawn Game: Damiano Defense)

3. Bb5White · your move

Slide your bishop to b5 to pin or pressure the knight on c6. This is the Ruy Lopez, one of the oldest and most respected openings, creating long-term tension in the center.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Irish Gambit) · g3 (King's Knight Opening: Konstantinopolsky) · c4 (King's Pawn Game: Dresden Opening) · b4 (King's Pawn Game: Pachman Wing Gambit)

3... a6Black

Black plays a6, the Morphy Defense. This is the main line of the Ruy Lopez. Black can also try the Berlin Defense (Nf6) or the Schliemann (f5), but a6 remains the gold standard for flexibility.

Other paths here: Bb4 (Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense) · g5 (Ruy Lopez: Brentano Gambit) · a5 (Ruy Lopez: Bulgarian Variation) · Nge7 (Ruy Lopez: Cozio Defense)

4. Ba4White · your move

Retreat your bishop to a4. You maintain the pressure on the c6-knight from a distance, keeping the tension alive while avoiding an early trade that would clarify the position.

Other paths here: Bxc6 (Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation) · Bc4 (Spanish: 3...a6 4.Bc4)

4... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, attacking e4. This is the most common reply, though the deferred Bird's Defense (Nd4) or the sharp Arkhangelsk (Bb7) are also seen at high levels to create more imbalance.

Other paths here: Nd4 (Ruy Lopez: Bird's Defense Deferred) · Bb4 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Alapin's Defense Deferred) · b5 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Caro Variation) · Bc5 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Classical Defense Deferred)

5. O-OWhite · your move

Castle your king to safety. By castling now, you protect your king and bring your rook closer to the center, even though it leaves the e4-pawn temporarily undefended.

Other paths here: d3 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation) · Bxc6 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Bayreuth Variation) · c3 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit) · d4 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Mackenzie Variation)

5... Be7Black

Black plays Be7, entering the Closed Ruy Lopez. While the Neo-Arkhangelsk (Bc5) is more aggressive, this move is incredibly solid and has been a favorite of world champions for decades.

Other paths here: g6 (Ruy Lopez: Brix Variation) · d5 (Ruy Lopez: Central Countergambit) · Bc5 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation) · b5 (Spanish: 5.O-O b5)

6. Re1White · your move

Slide your rook to e1. This move provides a solid defense for your e4-pawn and prepares for a future d4 push, while also making room for your knight to maneuver.

Other paths here: d4 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Center Attack) · d3 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation) · Nc3 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack) · Bxc6 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Delayed Exchange)

6... d6Black

Black plays d6, choosing the Averbakh Variation. Unlike the more common b5, this move focuses on immediate central stability. You'll now have to decide how to break this solid wall.

Other paths here: b5 (Spanish: Closed, 6...b5)

Where you stand

The position is a classic strategic battleground. White will likely play c3 and d4 to build a strong center, while Black focuses on maintaining the e5 point and preparing a counter-strike. Both sides have excellent prospects in a long, maneuvering game where understanding piece placement is more important than memorizing sharp tactical lines.

• c2-d4 Build a strong center with c3 and d4
• b1-g3 Maneuver the knight to the kingside
• c6-a5 Relocate the knight to challenge the bishop
• e8-g8 Secure the king by castling