Ruy Lopez: Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit (C60)

The Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C60. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nge7 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Qd2 d5, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move after eight moves. Black has castled while White’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: Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit — position after d5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nge7 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Qd2 d5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5g6
4d4exd4
5Nxd4Bg7
6Be3Nge7
7Nc3O-O
8Qd2d5

ECO: C60

Stockfish: +0.45 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit?

The Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nge7 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Qd2 d5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C60.

What is the ECO code for the Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit?

The Cozio Defense, Tartakower 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 Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nge7 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Qd2 d5 at +0.45 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 Cozio Defense, Tartakower Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.