ECO C68 · for White
Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
2,165,715 games in this band reached the Exchange Variation position. From there White won 49% and drew 5%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bd6 6. d4 exd4 7. Qxd4 f6 8. e5
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6
3. Bb5
Threatening the knight on c6, which is a key defender of the e5 pawn. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... a6
Pushing the pawn to a6 is preparing to kick the bishop away from b5, which is a common idea in the Ruy Lopez opening. This move also prepares for b5 and Bb7, developing the bishop to a strong diagonal.
4. Bxc6
Capturing the knight to double black's pawns. Providing a slight edge in the endgame.
4... dxc6
Recapturing the bishop while preparing to develop quickly.
- 4... bxc6: Recapturing on c6 and winning the bishop pair.
Moves 5 to 6
5. O-O Bd6 6. d4 exd4
5. O-O
Castling kingside, aiming to utilize the development advantage and the superior pawn structure.
- 5. Nxe5: Capturing the e5 pawn. Black will eventually win the pawn on e4 and reestablish the material balance.
5... Bd6
Developing the bishop and protecting the hanging e5 pawn.
- 5... Bg4: Developing the bishop and pinning the knight on f3.
- 5... f6: Protecting the e5 pawn but falling dangerously short on development and White has ways to take advantage of this.
6. d4
Breaking in the center and forcing White to capture and give up control of the center.
6... exd4
Capturing the pawn on d4 and relieving the tension in the center. The position is fairly equal.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Qxd4 f6 8. e5
7. Qxd4
Capturing on d4 with the queen in order to play for activity and to attack Black’s g7 pawn.
7... f6
Preventing White from playing e5 and fighting for control of the center.
8. e5
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The knight on f3 or rook on e1 typically recaptures the pawn on e5
- The queen on d4 generally captures the queen on d8
- The kingside rook usually develops to e1
- The queenside knight often develops to c3
- The dark-squared bishop typically develops to g5
- The knight on e5 often moves to f3
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White