Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 · ECO C70, C78 · White to move

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What Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on e4; Black has central pawns on e5.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

Reference links and alternate move orders

Move orders

  1. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6
  2. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O
  3. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 d6