The Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C69. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg4 6. h3 h5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.
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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The Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg4 6. h3 h5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C69.
The Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit is ECO C69. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg4 6. h3 h5 at -0.02 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.