Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation The Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a chess opening that begins with the moves: Black may recapture on c6 with either pawn; although 4...bxc6 is playable, 4...dxc6 is almost always chosen at master level. Black has gained the at the cost of a weakened pawn structure, due to his doubled pawns on c6 and c7. White aims to reach an endgame in which he has the superior pawn structure, which may become an important factor. Thus, Black is compelled to strive for an active position, generally avoiding piece exchanges. The variation was introduced into
Sicilian Defence most part, other moves are the Closed Sicilian. Possible moves are 3.g3 and 3.f4 in general, also 3.Nge2, and less commonly 3.d3 and 3.Bc4. Some lines may transpose to the Open Sicilian, but there are many that do not. Also of some interest is 3.Bb5 to ...Nc6. A typical line is 2...Nc6 3.g3 ("ECO" code B24). Also 2...Nc6 3.f4 is the Closed Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack (part of B23). White can also keep their options open with 3.Nge2. Andrew Soltis has dubbed that the "Chameleon System", since White maintains the option of playing a Closed Sicilian with 4.g3 or transposing