Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Norwegian Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C70), reached after 10 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Na5.

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6.Bxf7+ 1 line
- C70 Nightingale Gambit

About this opening

Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Norwegian Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C70. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 10 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Na5.

It belongs to the Ruy Lopez family. Within that family this is a level-2 branch (the Morphy Defense → Norwegian Variation line). The immediate parent line is Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, transitioned via 5…Na5.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Bb5 a6, 4.Ba4 b5, 5.Bb3 Na5. From this position exactly one named continuation is recorded in the encyclopaedia.