This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Fianchetto Defense Deferred
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 g6. Instead of Black developing the bishop to the usual b7 square immediately, Black opts for a deferred fianchetto, preparing to place the bishop on g7.
Characteristic of the move 4...g6: This move signals Black’s intention to fianchetto the kingside bishop, which is somewhat less common in the Ruy Lopez. It aims to exert long-term pressure on the central dark squares, especially d4, and supports a solid, hypermodern setup rather than immediate central confrontation.
Attacking or defensive: For Black, this is primarily a defensive and flexible strategy. Black delays direct central tension and focuses on solidifying the kingside and controlling key squares from a distance. White, on the other hand, can continue with an assertive central build-up, taking advantage of Black’s somewhat slower kingside development.
Center control: This opening does not involve an immediate direct attack on the center by Black. Instead, Black challenges the center indirectly with the fianchettoed bishop. White usually maintains a strong central presence with pawns on e4 and potentially d4, aiming to capitalize on their spatial advantage.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Fianchetto Defense Deferred, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #23 black
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Fianchetto Defense Deferred to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.