Classical Defense, Benelux Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5Nf6
- 4.O-OBc5
- 5.c3O-O
- 6.d4Bb6
590 games
A Classical Defense line of the Ruy Lopez in which Black castles and retreats the bishop to b6 after White's c3 and d4, keeping pressure on d4.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Benelux Variation
The Benelux Variation arises when Black, reaching the Classical Defense through 3...Nf6 4. O-O Bc5, declines the e4 pawn with 5...O-O and meets 6. d4 with 6...Bb6, keeping the bishop on the diagonal toward d4 and f2. The usual replies are 7. Bg5, pinning the knight and leading to the Modern Main Line, 7. Re1 and 7. d5. Engines give White a slight edge, while Black scores well online.