Ruy Lopez Blue chess computer in Game 2 of their 1997 match. Svetozar Gligorić has been the most prolific C93 player. 9...Qd7 is another variation by Smyslov. Of the variations in this section, the Berlin and Schliemann Defences are the most popular today, followed by the Classical Defence. and other less-common third moves for Black. The Cozio Defence (part of "ECO" C60), 3...Nge7, is distinctly old-fashioned and the least popular of the defences at Black's third move. Although Bent Larsen used it occasionally with success, it remains one of the least explored variations of the Ruy Lopez. The Smyslov Defence, Fianchetto Defence,
Ruy Lopez careful play White is held to gain an advantage. The best moves are 4.Nxd4 exd4 5.O-O Bc5 6.d3 c6 7.Ba4 Ne7. This defence was published in 1843 in Paul Rudolf von Bilguer's "Handbuch des Schachspiels" and explored by Henry Bird in the late 19th century. Bird played it as Black at least 25 times, scoring +9 =3 −13 (nine wins, three draws, thirteen losses). Bird's Defence was later used a few times in tournament play by Siegbert Tarrasch, Boris Spassky, and Alexander Khalifman. Although it is still sometimes seen as a surprise weapon, no strong master since Bird has adopted