Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Romanovsky Variation (C68)

The Exchange Variation, Romanovsky 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. Nc3 f6 6. d3, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six moves. 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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Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Romanovsky Variation — position after d3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 f6 6. d3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Bxc6dxc6
5Nc3f6
6d3

ECO: C68

Stockfish: -0.21 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Exchange Variation, Romanovsky Variation?

The Exchange Variation, Romanovsky Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 f6 6. d3. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C68.

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

The Exchange Variation, Romanovsky 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 Variation, Romanovsky Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 f6 6. d3 at -0.21 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.

What kind of position does the Exchange Variation, Romanovsky Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.