Ruy Lopes counter - 2007/11/30 01:201 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 is the so-called Morphy Variation. 3...a6 is by far the most common third move for Black at master level. If White ever threatens to take the knight on c6 and then win the pawn at e5 by capturing it with his knight, then Black can play ...b5 to end the threat.
Note that White can't win the e-pawn at once by 4 Bc6 dc 5 Ne5, because Black responds strongly with 5...Qd4!, regaining the pawn with a better position.
Ruy Lopes counter - 2007/12/01 15:361 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 is the main line after which White has a choice between at least 4 Bxc6 - Exchange Variation - and 4 Ba4 - Morphy Defence. This last variation is played most frequently.
Maybe we can analyze one of these variations in more detail.
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