Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit (C60)

The Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C60. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4 4. c3 Ba5 5. Bxc6 dxc6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.

On the Ruy Lopez generally: One of the oldest and most classical openings. White develops rapidly and puts pressure on Black's center.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit — position after dxc6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4 4. c3 Ba5 5. Bxc6 dxc6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5Bb4
4c3Ba5
5Bxc6dxc6

ECO: C60

Stockfish: +0.54 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit?

The Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4 4. c3 Ba5 5. Bxc6 dxc6. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C60.

What is the ECO code for the Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit?

The Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit is ECO C60. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4 4. c3 Ba5 5. Bxc6 dxc6 at +0.54 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.