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.
Opening Name: Spanish: Closed, 6.d3 b5
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3
Description: This variation of the Closed Spanish (Ruy López) features White solidifying the center with 6.d3 instead of immediately challenging Black’s pawn on e5. Black responds actively with 6...b5, expanding on the queenside and gaining space while forcing the White bishop to retreat to b3. The move 6...b5 is characteristic of Black’s intention to gain queenside space and challenge White's bishop, a common theme in the Ruy López to gain counterplay on the flank.
Characteristics of 6...b5: This move is a typical queenside expansion in the Ruy López, aiming to dislodge White’s light-squared bishop and prepare further activity on the queenside. It is a flexible and thematic move that supports Black’s plan to balance White’s central and kingside pressure.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, 6...b5 is an attacking move on the queenside, aiming to gain space and initiative. For White, the setup with 6.d3 is more positional and defensive, focusing on a solid center and gradual buildup rather than immediate confrontation.
Center Control: White’s 6.d3 supports a strong and stable center without immediate central tension, while Black’s 6...b5 does not challenge the center directly but seeks counterplay on the flank. Overall, this line is more about maneuvering and piece play than direct central confrontation at this stage.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Spanish: Closed, 6.d3 b5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Spanish: Closed, 6.d3 b5 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.