Ruy Lopez: Closed, Leonhardt Variation (C88)

The Closed, Leonhardt Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C88. 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 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. h3 Nc6 12. d5 Nb8 13. Nbd2 g5, reaching the position shown below after 26 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5 and e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after 13 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, Leonhardt Variation — position after g5 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 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. h3 Nc6 12. d5 Nb8 13. Nbd2 g5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4Nf6
5O-OBe7
6Re1b5
7Bb3d6
8c3Na5
9Bc2c5
10d4Qc7
11h3Nc6
12d5Nb8
13Nbd2g5

ECO: C88

Stockfish: +1.79 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Closed, Leonhardt Variation?

The Closed, Leonhardt Variation 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 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. h3 Nc6 12. d5 Nb8 13. Nbd2 g5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C88.

What is the ECO code for the Closed, Leonhardt Variation?

The Closed, Leonhardt Variation is ECO C88. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Closed, Leonhardt Variation 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 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. h3 Nc6 12. d5 Nb8 13. Nbd2 g5 at +1.79 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage 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, Leonhardt Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5 and e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.