The Smyslov Variation is a fascinating and intricate part of the Ruy Lopez, one of the most famous chess openings.
Named after former World Chess Champion Vasily Smyslov, this variation has been played by many top players and has a rich history.
In this article, we will explore the move order, theory, strategy, and purpose behind the Smyslov Variation, as well as its variations, history, suitability for different levels of players, and its frequency of play at the grandmaster level.
Move Order of the Smyslov Variation
The Smyslov Variation follows the sequence 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 h6 or Qd7.
This move order leads to complex positions, with two main branches: 9…h6 and 9…Qd7.
Below is the 9…h6 variation of the Smyslov:
Below is the 9…Qd7 variation of the Smyslov:
Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Smyslov Variation
The Smyslov Variation (ECO C93) is a plan similar to that of the Zaitsev Variation.
With 9…h6 Black prepares to play 10…Re8 and 11…Bf8 without fear of 10.Ng5.
The loss of a tempo with 9…h6 gives White enough time to complete the Nbd2–f1–g3 maneuver.
The pawn move can also weaken Black’s kingside.
The Zaitsev can be considered to be an improved Smyslov in which Black tries to save a tempo by omitting …h6.
Sub-Variations of the Smyslov Variation
There are two main variations in the Smyslov:
- Smyslov Variation: 9.h3 h6 – This is the more traditional approach, focusing on kingside development.
- Smyslov Variation: 9.h3 Qd7 – This is another variation by Smyslov, where the Queen move to d7 creates different strategic possibilities.
White logically responds to both with 10.d4.
Evaluation of the Smyslov Variation
The evaluation of the Smyslov Variation is +0.80 for the 9…h6 subvariation and +1.00 for the 9…Qd7 subvariation, providing white a quality advantage.
Continuation Lines of the Smyslov Variation
Sample continuation lines of the Smyslov Variation that would be seen at the highest levels of play include:
9…h6 Subvariation
10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 12. Nf1 Na5 13. Bc2 Bb7 14. Ng3 Nc4 15. b3 Nb6 16. Bd2 a5 17. Rb1 b4 18. Rc1 g6 19. Bd3 c6 20. Qc2 Nbd7 21. Be3 exd4 22. cxd4 c5 23. d5 Ba6 24. Bxa6 Rxa6
10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 12. Nf1 a5 13. Ng3 a4 14. Bc2 Bd7 15. Bd2 g6 16. Be3 Kh7 17. b3 axb3 18. axb3 Rxa1 19. Qxa1 Qa8 20. d5 Ne7 21. c4 Qxa1
10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 12. Nf1 a5 13. Ng3 a4 14. Bc2 Bd7 15. Bd2 g6 16. Qc1 Kh7 17. b4 axb3 18. axb3 b4 19. Qb2 Rxa1 20. Rxa1 bxc3 21. Bxc3 Nxd4 22. Nxd4 exd4 23. Bxd4 Bg7
10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 12. Nf1 a5 13. Ng3 a4 14. Bc2 Bd7 15. Bd2 g6 16. Qc1 Kh7 17. b4 axb3 18. axb3 b4 19. d5 bxc3 20. Bxc3 Rxa1 21. Qxa1 Nb8 22. b4 c6 23. Bb3 cxd5 24. exd5
9…Qd7 Subvariation
10. d4 Re8 11. Bg5 h6 12. Bh4 Nh7 13. a4 Na5 14. Bxe7 Qxe7 15. axb5 Nxb3 16. Qxb3 Rb8 17. c4 Ng5 18. dxe5 Nxf3+ 19. Qxf3 axb5 20. exd6 Qxd6
10. d4 Re8 11. Bg5 h6 12. Bh4 Nh7 13. Bg3 Bf6 14. a4 Rb8 15. axb5 axb5 16. Na3 exd4 17. cxd4 Ng5 18. Nxg5 hxg5 19. Nc2 g4 20. hxg4 Qxg4
10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 12. Bc2 Bb7 13. Nf1 exd4 14. Bg5 d3 15. Qxd3 Ne5 16. Nxe5 dxe5 17. Qf3 Qc6 18. Bb3 h6 19. Bh4 a5 20. a4 b4
10. d4 Re8 11. Bc2 Bb7 12. Nbd2 Bf8 13. Nf1 exd4 14. Bg5 d3 15. Qxd3 Ne5 16. Nxe5 dxe5 17. Qf3 Re6 18. Rad1 Qc6 19. Bb3 Nxe4 20. Bxe6 Qxe6 21. Ng3 Nc5 22. Qg4 f6 23. Be3
History of the Smyslov Variation
The Smyslov Variation has been played by many top players throughout history.
Kasparov played the Smyslov Variation in a loss to the Deep Blue chess computer in Game 2 of their 1997 Man vs. Machine match.
Svetozar Gligorić has been the most prolific C93 player.
Is the Smyslov Variation Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
The Smyslov Variation can be complex and requires a deep understanding of chess strategy.
It may not be suitable for complete beginners but can be an excellent choice for intermediate players looking to deepen their understanding of the game.
How Often Is the Smyslov Variation Played at the Grandmaster Level?
The Smyslov Variation is not as popular as some other lines in the Ruy Lopez but has been played at the grandmaster level.
It continues to be a part of the repertoire of many strong players and can lead to rich and complex positions.
Ruy Lopez: Smyslov variation
Conclusion
The Smyslov Variation of the Ruy Lopez offers a rich tapestry of strategic and tactical possibilities.
With its historical significance and intricate variations, it continues to be a subject of study and play among chess enthusiasts.
While it may not be the best choice for complete beginners, intermediate and advanced players can find great value in exploring this fascinating line.
Its presence in grandmaster play, although not as prevalent as other variations, attests to its depth and enduring appeal.
