Ruy Lopez: Closed, Center Attack (C84)

The Closed, Center Attack is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C84. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six 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.

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: Closed, Center Attack — position after d4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4Nf6
5O-OBe7
6d4

ECO: C84

Stockfish: +0.09 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Closed, Center Attack?

The Closed, Center Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d4. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C84.

What is the ECO code for the Closed, Center Attack?

The Closed, Center Attack is ECO C84. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Closed, Center Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d4 at +0.09 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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, Center Attack lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.