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
War and Peace (game) commanding general's box, reducing clutter on the map), while the alliance chart, force pools, and prisoners are on the campaign game card. Player sides are: France (blue), Spain (yellow), Britain (red), Austria (white), Prussia (gray), and Russia (green). The markers for Fortresses, entrenchments and demoralization are black. Tactical matrix markers (see below) are white. Strength points are also rated for what the game calls "morale" (a proxy for troop quality). Militia, landwehr, partisans and cossacks rate "0". Regular infantry (yellow lettering for minor countries, or black for Prussian, Austrian or Spanish regulars) rate "1". British, Russian and French infantry (white