Ruy Lopez: Closed, Breyer Defense (C95)

The Closed, Breyer Defense is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C95. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 c5, reaching the position shown below after 24 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after 12 moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

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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Ruy Lopez: Closed, Breyer Defense — position after c5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 c5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4Nf6
5O-OBe7
6Re1b5
7Bb3d6
8c3O-O
9h3Nb8
10d4Nbd7
11Nbd2Bb7
12Bc2c5

ECO: C95

Stockfish: +0.62 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Closed, Breyer Defense?

The Closed, Breyer Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 c5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C95.

What is the ECO code for the Closed, Breyer Defense?

The Closed, Breyer Defense is ECO C95. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Closed, Breyer Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 c5 at +0.62 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Closed, Breyer Defense lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.