The Exchange Variation, 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 Bd6, 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.
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The Exchange Variation, Alekhine Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd6. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C68.
The Exchange Variation, Alekhine Variation is ECO C68. 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. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd6 at -0.20 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.
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.