Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred (C70)

The Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C70. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 f5 5. exf5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. White has doubled pawns on the f-file.

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: Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred — position after exf5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 f5 5. exf5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4f5
5exf5

ECO: C70

Stockfish: -0.36 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred?

The Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 f5 5. exf5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C70.

What is the ECO code for the Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred?

The Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred is ECO C70. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Morphy Defense, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 f5 5. exf5 at -0.36 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, Schliemann Defense Deferred, Jaenisch Gambit Deferred lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. White has doubled pawns on the f-file.