Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6

ECO C68

The Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6.

It is catalogued under code C68 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bxc6 is chosen by White on move 4.

9 named continuations branch from this position, including the Alekhine Variation and the Keres Variation.

Named variations

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the Ruy Lopez course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.