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
Roderigo Lopez Shylock, a Venetian Jewish moneylender who hates Christians. The Lopez case prompted a revival of Christopher Marlowe's play "The Jew of Malta" (c. 1589–90), which according to Elizabeth Lane Furdell began rehearsals in London the same day Lopez was taken to Essex House. In Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1592), there is a mention of Lopez—probably added after Marlowe's death in 1593—comparing him to the title character. It reads: "Doctor Lopus was never such a doctor!" Roderigo Lopez Roderigo Lopez (also called Ruy Lopes, Ruy Lopez or Roger Lopez; c. 1517 – 7 June 1594) served as physician-in-chief to Queen Elizabeth