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
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O
The Morphy Defense is one of the most classical and popular responses in the Ruy Lopez opening. By playing 3...a6, Black immediately challenges White's bishop on b5, asking whether White intends to exchange it for the knight or retreat. The move 4...Nf6 develops a knight towards the center and attacks White's e4 pawn.
Characteristic: The Morphy Defense is known for its solid and flexible setup. It prepares Black to castle quickly and counterattack in the center, especially aiming for control over the d5-square.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the opening is generally attacking, aiming to control the center and exploit Black's early pawn moves. Black's setup is mostly defensive initially but prepares for counterplay.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center, but White starts with a strong presence by occupying e4 and developing pieces actively. Black challenges the center indirectly and looks for chances to strike back with moves like ...d5 in the future.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 36 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.