Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation (C63)

The Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C63. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Nxe5 dxe4 7. Nxc6 Qd5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after seven moves. Black’s e-file pawn is isolated.

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: Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation — position after Qd5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Nxe5 dxe4 7. Nxc6 Qd5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5f5
4Nc3fxe4
5Nxe4d5
6Nxe5dxe4
7Nxc6Qd5

ECO: C63

Stockfish: +1.15 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation?

The Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Nxe5 dxe4 7. Nxc6 Qd5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C63.

What is the ECO code for the Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation?

The Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation is ECO C63. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Nxe5 dxe4 7. Nxc6 Qd5 at +1.15 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Schliemann Defense, Möhring Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black’s e-file pawn is isolated.