3

I'm considering taking up the Breyer defence to the Ruy Lopez as Black and played an internet game which went

  [StartPly "29"]
  [White "White"]
  [Black "Black"]
  [FEN ""]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. h3 O-O 9. c3 Nb8 10. d3 Bb7 11. Nbd2 Nbd7 12. Nf1 Re8 13. Ng3 Nc5 14. Bc2 Bf8 15. Bg5

This move 15.Bg5 is not in my book on the Ruy Lopez. The computer suggests 15...h6 16.Be3 d5 which doesn't seem right unless Black gets clear compensation for the pawn. All Black's minor pieces seem well placed except the Bishop on f8. What are Black's plans in this position?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Maybe I don't understand something, but clear compensation for what pawn?
    – Jeff Y
    Jan 21, 2016 at 20:29
  • After 16...d5 if White plays 17 Bxc5 Bxc5 18.exd5 and Black doesn't recapture with the Queen then the e5 pawn drops. If he does then White has Bb3 with tempo.
    – magd
    Jan 23, 2016 at 11:36
  • Still it seems like ...Qxd5 is the best recapture and gives Black an open position with the two bishops so it should be preferred.
    – magd
    Jan 23, 2016 at 11:44
  • 1
    Yes. And after 18...Qxd5 19.Bb3, Black has the option to set a "dropped pawn" trap with 19...Qc6 <feign blunder> :-).
    – Jeff Y
    Jan 23, 2016 at 12:06

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

After 17 Bxc5 Bxc5 18 ed Qxd5 no pawn is lost due to the mate threat at g2. Black has two active bishops and threatens Rad8 with pressure on the d pawn. If white does not exchange pawns then black can play Qd7 and Rad8.

Improve this answer
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.