Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation (C79)

The Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C79. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4 8. Re1 f5 9. dxe5 d5 10. Nc3, reaching the position shown below after 19 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after ten moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; 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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Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation — position after Nc3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4 8. Re1 f5 9. dxe5 d5 10. Nc3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5a6
4Ba4Nf6
5O-Od6
6Bxc6+bxc6
7d4Nxe4
8Re1f5
9dxe5d5
10Nc3

ECO: C79

Stockfish: +0.37 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation?

The Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4 8. Re1 f5 9. dxe5 d5 10. Nc3. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C79.

What is the ECO code for the Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation?

The Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation is ECO C79. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4 8. Re1 f5 9. dxe5 d5 10. Nc3 at +0.37 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.

What kind of position does the Steinitz Defense Deferred, Boleslavsky Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black’s a-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.