Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit (C77)

The Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C77. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. c3, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 Black to move after five moves.

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: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit — position after c3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. c3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4Nf6
5c3

ECO: C77

Stockfish: -0.32 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit?

The Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. c3. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C77.

What is the ECO code for the Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit?

The Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit is ECO C77. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. c3 at -0.32 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 Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.