Chess Analysis Move by Move: 3...a6 (C77: Morphy Defence)

 3...a6 (C77: Morphy Defence)

  • Black want to know immediately about White intention in attacking Black Knight on c6. 
  • So, Black force White to reveal his/her intention by attacking Bishop and give option between exchanging Bishop for Knight or retreat from Black Pawn attack.  
  • Note, retreating Bishop to Bc4 is inferior move, because that position can be reached earlier with 3. Bc4 not with 4. Bc4. 
  • Retreating with 4. Bc4, give Black free a6 move.
  • White usually retreat to a4 to continue attacking Black Knight or capture Black Knight on c6.
White Responses
  • White maintain attack and possibility pinning Black Knight against Black King, if Black move d pawn.
  • Retreating White Bishop into Bc4, Bd3 and Be2 is inferior moves, because White Bishop can go into that squares earlier without going into Ruy Lopez.
  • Retreating White Bishop into Bc4, Bd3 and Be1 give Black free a6 move.
Reason to play Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation
  • White capture Black Knight on c6, therefore removing protector of Black e pawn.
  • By Playing Exchange Variation, White trying to damage Black Pawn Structure (inflicting double pawn on c file), because in the next move Black should capture White Bishop with either b pawn or d pawn.
  • If Black didn't capture White Bishop, then Black will lost material without proper compensation.
  • Capturing With Bishop with either b pawn or d pawn, make double pawn in c file.

Black responses to 4.Bxc6

4...dxc6

Analyze Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation

  • Capturing White Bishop using d pawn is better than capturing using b pawn. 
  • Capturing White Bishop using d pawn counter White threat of capturing Black Pawn on e5. 
  • If White dare to capture Black Pawn on e5, then Black Queen fork White Knight and Pawn by playing 5...Qd4.
  • The result of Black Queen fork is restoring material balance and put Black in good position. 

4...bxc6

Analyze Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation

  • Capturing White Bishop using b pawn considered inferior than capturing using d pawn.
  • Capturing White Bishop using b pawn, did not open way for Black Queen to counter White threat of capturing Black Pawn on e5. 
  • Therefore, Black should find another way to restore material balance if White captured Black Pawn on e5.