The Classical Defense, Zaitsev Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C64. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bc5 4. O-O Nd4 5. b4, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 Black to move after five moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.
On the Ruy Lopez generally: One of the oldest and most classical openings. White develops rapidly and puts pressure on Black's center.
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The Classical Defense, Zaitsev Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bc5 4. O-O Nd4 5. b4. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C64.
The Classical Defense, Zaitsev Variation is ECO C64. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bc5 4. O-O Nd4 5. b4 at +0.29 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.