C79

Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Steinitz Deferred

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4

The Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Steinitz Deferred is a chess opening classified under ECO code C79. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Nxe4.

It belongs to the Ruy Lopez family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

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