The Breyer Variation is a fascinating and complex line in the Ruy Lopez, one of the oldest and most respected chess openings.
It has been played by many top players and continues to be a subject of deep theoretical analysis.
This article will explore the Breyer Variation, delving into its move order, theory, strategy, purpose, variations, history, suitability for different levels of players, and its frequency of play at the grandmaster level.
Move Order of the Breyer Variation
The Breyer Variation is characterized by the following moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8.
This move order leads to a rich and complex middlegame, with many possible continuations.
Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Breyer Variation
The Breyer Variation aims to reposition the knight from c6 to d7 (on the subsequent move), where it can support central and queenside play.
The knight’s retreat to b8 is a unique and flexible move – seemingly undeveloping a developed piece, which makes it look passive – allowing Black to avoid committing to a particular plan too early.
The strategy often involves complex maneuvering, with both sides seeking to exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s position.
Understanding the underlying principles of this variation can lead to rich and rewarding play.
Sub-Variations of the Breyer Variation
There are several key variations within the Breyer system, each with its own unique characteristics.
One of the main lines continues with 10. d4 Nbd7, leading to a complex battle for central control.
Other variations may involve different move orders or strategic ideas, providing a wide range of options for both White and Black.
With 9…Nb8, Black plans to reroute the knight to d7, freeing up the c-pawn and providing support for e5.
If White chooses to reinforce the center with 10.d3, this leads to the ECO (Encyclopedia of Chess Openings) code C94.
The more frequently played move 10.d4 leads to ECO code C95.
The main line proceeds as follows: 10.d4 Nbd7 11.Nbd2 Bb7 12.Bc2 Re8 13.Nf1 Bf8.
In this position, Black is pressuring the e4-pawn by threatening …exd4 which would reveal an attack on the pawn.
To counter this, White plays 14.Ng3. Black typically responds with 14…g6 to prevent the white knight from jumping to the f5 square.
White often aims for queenside action with 15.a4, while Black seeks counterplay in the center via 15…c5.
This prompts White to create tension in the center with 16.d5. The c4 square becomes an attractive outpost for Black after 16…c4.
White might aim for a kingside offensive with 17.Bg5, prompting Black to respond with 17…h6.
After the bishop retreats to e3 (18.Be3), Black often plays 18…Nc5. White might then continue with 19.Qd2, inducing 19…h5 from Black.
This series of maneuvers serves to weaken Black’s kingside, potentially paving the way for a future White attack.
Evaluation of the Breyer Variation
The Breyer Variation is about +0.45 to +0.60 for white.
Continuation Lines in the Breyer Variation
The moves 10. d4, 10. a4, and 10. d3 are popular in the Breyer Variation.
10. d4
10. d4 Nbd7 11. Bc2 Bb7 12. Nbd2 Re8 13. Nf1 Bf8 14. Ng3 a5 15. Bd2 a4 16. Bd3 c6 17. Rc1 h6 18. b3 axb3 19. axb3 Ra3 20. Be3 Qc7 21. Bb1 c5 22. d5 c4 23. bxc4 bxc4
10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 Re8 13. Nf1 a5 14. a4 b4 15. Ng3 Bf8 16. Bd3 bxc3 17. bxc3 Ba6 18. Bb5 Bxb5 19. axb5 Qc8 20. c4 c6 21. Ba3 cxb5 22. cxb5 Qb7 23. dxe5 Nxe5 24. Nxe5 dxe5 25. Bxf8 Rxf8 26. Qd2
10. d4 Nbd7 11. c4 c6 12. Be3 bxc4 13. Ba4 Bb7 14. dxe5 Nxe4 15. exd6 Bxd6 16. Nbd2 Nxd2 17. Qxd2 Nc5 18. Bxc5 Bxc5 19. Rac1 Qxd2 20. Nxd2 g6 21. Nxc4 Bb4 22. Red1
10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 12. Bc2 Re8 13. Nf1 Bf8 14. Ng3 a5 15. Bd2 a4 16. Bd3 c6 17. Qc2 Qb6 18. Be3 Qa5 19. Rad1 c5 20. b4 axb3 21. axb3 Rec8 22. d5 c4 23. bxc4
10. a4
10… Bb7 11. Bc2 Re8 12. d4 Nbd7 13. Nbd2 Bf8 14. b3 h6 15. Bb2 Rb8 16. b4 c6 17. Bd3 Nb6 18. axb5 axb5 19. Qb3 Nfd7 20. Ra5 Qc7 21. dxe5 Nxe5 22. Nxe5 dxe5 23. c4 Nxc4
10… Bb7 11. Bc2 Re8 12. axb5 axb5 13. Rxa8 Bxa8 14. Qe2 c6 15. d4 Bf8 16. dxe5 dxe5 17. Be3 Nbd7 18. Nbd2 h6 19. Ra1 Qc7 20. Nh2 Bb7 21. Ng4 Nxg4 22. hxg4 Bc5 23. Nf3 Bxe3 24. Qxe3
10… Bb7 11. Bc2 Nbd7 12. d4 Re8 13. Nbd2 Bf8 14. b3 h6 15. Ba3 c6 16. Nf1 a5 17. Ng3 g6 18. Bc1 b4 19. cxb4 axb4 20. dxe5 Nxe5 21. Nxe5 dxe5
10… Bb7 11. axb5 axb5 12. Rxa8 Bxa8 13. d3 Nbd7 14. Na3 c6 15. Nc2 c5 16. c4 bxc4 17. Bxc4 Qc7 18. Ne3 Nb6 19. Nd2 Rb8 20. b3 d5 21. exd5
10. d3
10. d3 Nbd7 11. d4 c5 12. Bc2 Qc7 13. Be3 Nb6 14. b3 Bd7 15. Nbd2 Rfc8 16. Bd3 h6 17. d5 c4 18. Bf1 cxb3 19. axb3 Bf8
10. d3 Nbd7 11. d4 Bb7 12. Bc2 Re8 13. Nbd2 Bf8 14. a4 h6 15. b3 d5 16. dxe5 Nxe4 17. Nxe4 dxe4 18. Bxe4 Bxe4 19. Rxe4 Nxe5 20. Bf4 Qxd1+ 21. Rxd1 Nxf3+ 22. gxf3 c5 23. c4 bxc4 24. bxc4
10. d3 Nbd7 11. d4 Bb7 12. Bc2 Re8 13. Nbd2 Bf8 14. b3 g6 15. a4 b4 16. Bb2 bxc3 17. Bxc3 exd4 18. Bxd4 c5 19. Bb2 Bg7 20. Bd3
10. d3 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 c5 12. Nf1 Qc7 13. d4 a5 14. Ng3 Re8 15. Bc2 a4 16. a3 Bf8 17. Be3 Nb6 18. Bd3 Ba6 19. Qe2 Nc4 20. Bg5 Nd7 21. Bxc4 bxc4 22. d5
History of the Breyer Variation
The Breyer Variation is named after Hungarian Grandmaster Gyula Breyer, who introduced it in the early 20th century.
It has since become a respected and well-studied line within the Ruy Lopez.
Many world champions and top players have employed the Breyer Variation in their games, including Boris Spassky in the 1960s, contributing to its rich history and development.
Is the Breyer Variation Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
The Breyer Variation is considered to be more suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
Its complex nature and strategic depth require a solid understanding of chess principles and middlegame planning.
Beginners may find the variation challenging to navigate, but studying it can provide valuable insights into chess strategy and tactics.
How Often Is the Breyer Variation Played at the Grandmaster Level?
The Breyer Variation is a popular choice at the grandmaster level.
It has been employed in many high-profile games, including World Championship matches.
Its enduring popularity among top players is a testament to its richness and strategic depth.
The Ruy Lopez, Breyer Variation – Chess Openings Explained
Conclusion
The Breyer Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a fascinating and complex opening that offers rich strategic play.
Its unique move order, deep theory, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any chess player’s repertoire.
While it may be more suitable for intermediate and advanced players, the insights it offers into chess strategy and tactics can benefit players of all levels.
Its continued popularity at the grandmaster level underscores its relevance and enduring appeal in the ever-evolving world of chess.
