Ruy Lopez: Exchange, Alekhine Variation (C68)

The Exchange, Alekhine Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C68. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair; the d-file file is fully open.

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: Exchange, Alekhine Variation — position after Bd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Bxc6dxc6
5d4exd4
6Qxd4Qxd4
7Nxd4Bd7

ECO: C68

Stockfish: -0.35 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Exchange, Alekhine Variation?

The Exchange, Alekhine Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C68.

What is the ECO code for the Exchange, Alekhine Variation?

The Exchange, Alekhine Variation is ECO C68. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Exchange, Alekhine Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7 at -0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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 Exchange, Alekhine Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair; the d-file file is fully open.