Ruy Lopez: Closed, Smyslov Defense

Before the first move

The Smyslov Defense is a sophisticated, solid system within the Ruy Lopez. Black aims for a flexible setup, using ...h6 to prevent White from pinning the knight with Bg5 while preparing to maneuver pieces behind a secure pawn wall.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most popular move at all levels. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. While Black has many replies like the Sicilian Defense (c5) or French Defense (e6), we will focus on the symmetrical response.

1... e5Black · your move

Respond by pushing your pawn to e5. By mirroring White's move, you stake your own claim in the center and prevent White from easily playing d4. This leads to the Open Games, where piece activity and central control are paramount.

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

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, developing a piece and attacking e5. While White could try the Center Game (d4) or the Alapin (Ne2), the knight move is the gold standard, putting immediate pressure on Black's position.

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

2... Nc6Black · your move

Bring your knight to c6 to defend the e5-pawn. This is the most natural and strongest way to protect your center while developing a piece toward the middle of the board.

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

White plays Bb5, the Ruy Lopez. This is one of the oldest and most deeply studied openings. White could also choose the Italian Game (Bc4) or the Scotch Game (d4), but the Spanish pressure on c6 is particularly enduring.

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 · your move

Push your pawn to a6 to put the question to the bishop. You are forcing White to decide whether to capture your knight, retreat, or maintain the pressure. This is the most popular way to enter the main lines.

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

White opts for Ba4, keeping the tension. The Exchange Variation (Bxc6) is a different strategic path where White hopes for a better endgame, but the retreat to a4 is the hallmark of the main line Ruy Lopez.

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

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This move attacks the e4-pawn and prepares for kingside castling. It is a vital step in completing your development and challenging White's central control.

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

White castles, prioritizing king safety. This is more common than the Anderssen Variation (d3) or the Tarrasch (Nc3). If Black takes on e4 now, we enter the Open Ruy Lopez, a very sharp and tactical branch.

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 · your move

Move your bishop to e7. This quiet move prepares for castling and reinforces your kingside. It is the starting point of the Closed Defense, focusing on a solid and sturdy position.

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

White plays Re1, a standard prophylactic move that secures e4. White could also try the Center Attack (d4) or the Worrall (Qe2), but Re1 is the most flexible way to maintain the central tension.

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... b5Black · your move

Push your pawn to b5 to kick the bishop. This gains space on the queenside and forces the bishop to a less aggressive square, while also preparing to develop your light-squared bishop later.

Other paths here: d6 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation)

7. Bb3White

White moves the bishop to b3. This is the only logical retreat. The bishop is now tucked away safely but remains very influential, pressuring the d5-square and keeping an eye on Black's kingside.

7... d6Black · your move

Move your pawn to d6. This solidifies your e5-pawn and opens a path for your queen and light-squared bishop. It is a critical move to stabilize the center before deciding on your next maneuver.

Other paths here: O-O (Ruy Lopez: Closed) · Bb7 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Trajkovic Counterattack)

8. c3White

White plays c3, preparing for d4. This is the standard plan. White could try the Rosen Attack (d4) immediately, but c3 is more patient, aiming for a full pawn center and long-term positional pressure.

Other paths here: d4 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Rosen Attack)

8... O-OBlack · your move

Castle kingside to complete your initial development. Your king is now safe, and you are ready to begin the middlegame maneuvering that characterizes the Smyslov Defense.

Other paths here: Bg4 (Spanish: Closed 7...d6 8.c3 Bg4) · Na5 (Spanish: Closed 7...d6 8.c3 Na5)

9. h3White

White plays h3, stopping any ...Bg4 ideas. This is almost mandatory in the Closed Ruy Lopez. White could also try the Yates Variation (d4) or the Suetin (a3), but h3 is the most solid preparation.

Other paths here: Bc2 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Lutikov Variation) · a3 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Suetin Variation) · d4 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Yates Variation)

9... h6Black · your move

Push your pawn to h6. This is the signature move of the Smyslov Defense. You prevent White from playing Bg5 and prepare to place your rook on e8 or your knight on d7 without being disturbed.

Other paths here: Bb7 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Flohr System) · Nd7 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Karpov Variation) · Be6 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Kholmov Variation) · Re8 (Ruy Lopez: Closed, Zaitsev System)

Where you stand

The position is a rich, strategic battleground. White will aim to expand with d4 and maneuver the b1-knight to g3. Black's plan involves placing the rook on e8 and the bishop on f8 to create a rock-solid defense while looking for counterplay on the queenside or through central breaks like ...exd4.

• b1-g3 Maneuver the knight to the kingside
• f8-e8 Place the rook on the semi-open file
• d2-d4 Challenge the center with d4
• e7-f8 Reposition the bishop to strengthen the king
• c8-b7 Develop the bishop to the long diagonal