The Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C73. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 d6 5. Bxc6+ bxc6 6. d4 f6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black’s a-file pawn is isolated; 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 Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 d6 5. Bxc6+ bxc6 6. d4 f6. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C73.
The Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense is ECO C73. 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. Ba4 d6 5. Bxc6+ bxc6 6. d4 f6 at +0.42 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black’s a-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.