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, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5
This variation of the Ruy Lopez is characterized by Black’s early development of the light-squared bishop to c5 instead of the more common ...Be7. The move 5...Bc5 aims to put immediate pressure on White’s center, particularly targeting the f2-square, and prepares for rapid piece activity and kingside safety.
From Black’s perspective, this is an attacking approach, seeking active piece play and counterplay against White’s center and king position. For White, the game often remains dynamic, requiring careful handling to maintain central control and avoid Black’s initiative.
The opening does indeed contest the center, with both sides fighting for control over key central squares. White maintains a strong presence with the pawn on e4 and the knight on f3, while Black’s bishop on c5 actively challenges White’s setup, encouraging tactical and positional battles in the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 7 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.