Questions tagged [ruy-lopez]
The Ruy Lopez (or Spanish Game) is the chess opening which begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5.
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Why is h3 a mistake?
This is the 12th move of this game I played as white: https://lichess.org/b7B16RLF/white#22
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Be3 { C65 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Kaufmann ...
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Why is Ba4 an inaccuracy here? Why is Bd3 the best move?
I played this game recently as white: https://lichess.org/b7B16RLF/white#18
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Be3 Bxe3 6. fxe3 d6 7. d4 Bd7 8. Nc3 O-O 9. Qe2 a6 10. Ba4 ...
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Ruy Lopez exchange variable [duplicate]
In the exchange variation of Ruy Lopez, why doesn't black capture using the B-pawn? As per good strategy shouldn't we capture towards the center of the board?
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why is ...Bg4 not so popular in this Ruy Lopez line?
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 Bg4
in this line of the Berlin variation, 8 ...Bg4 is not popular among chess masters (it has been ...
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Walkover -- what is this?
I've never seen this before. I was playing a game on ChessArena.com, and I ended up getting something called a "Walkover".
My rating on ChessArena for that game was 1090, and my opponent's ...
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Ruy Lopez Main Line - Why not Be7 before Nf6?
In the Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense Main Line,
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7
after 4.Ba4, the engine suggests Be7 as one of the best moves, tied with Nf6. The ...
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When should white push d4-d5 in the Ruy Lopez?
I just played a very short game in the Ruy Lopez, where I played white and pushed d4-d5 early, and it felt like I just gave black's knight a headstart to maneuvre into a better position where I was ...
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As Black, how do you deal with the double pawns in the Ruy Lopez exchange variation?
How does Black deal with the double pawns c7 and c6 on the Ruy Lopez exchange variation? In other words, after:
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. ...
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Is the Marshall Attack a draw?
I have been experimenting with the Marshall as of late.
Most master games in the three main lines 11...c6, 11...Nf6, and 11...Bb7 seem to lead to a draw.
While this isn't necessarily a bad result with ...
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d3 lines of Ruy Lopez vs. Italian
I haven't played the Ruy Lopez at all but I am curious about how it compares to the Italian. I've heard that one reason the Ruy is supposedly better is because White has an easier time playing d4 in ...
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Attacking the Spanish Opening
I'm studying the Spanish opening by developing some possible attacks against it and seeing how it could resist those attacks.
In the below position, White has moved the light-squared bishop from f1 to ...
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Why should Black capture with different pawns in these similar Spanish game variations?
As a general “rule”, I have read that pawn captures toward the center should be preferred.
I have found 2 different positions which look similar but the best way for Black to recapture with the pawn ...
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Why is 4…Bb4 an inaccuracy in the Berlin Defense?
[FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR"]
[Title "Berlin Defense"]
[StartFlipped "1"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Bb4?!
When White castles, ...
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Why did Karpov choose this knight placement over the normal Ruy Lopez knight manoeuvre?
I was studying some Karpov games and I came across a knight manoeuvre that I hadn't seen before in the Ruy Lopez, shown in the below game (moves 15,16...):
[Event "Milan"]
[FEN ""]
...
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Ruy Lopez - why does Black not take e4?
In the following Ruy Lopez opening;
[FEN ""]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 (5... Nxe4)
Now the question, instead of Be7 why does Black not play Nxe4 as e4 is not defended?
...
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How to realize this +2 evaluation in the Ruy Lopez, Steinitz defense
I played a game as White using the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz defense against a lower-rated player (1594 vs. 1500 on chess.com). While I won the game due to a blunder by my opponent in a drawn endgame, the ...
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What is the point of playing the 5.d3 (or 6.d3) Ruy Lopez, when White can play Giuoco Piano (or Modern Italian)?
As title above, what is the point of playing the 5.d3 (or 6.d3) Ruy Lopez, when White can play Giuoco Piano (or Modern Italian)? In other words, why play 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d3 (or ...
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Unusual sequence of opening moves in the Open Ruy Lopez with 6.d4 Be7
As title above,could someone kindly explain the tactical highlights of the rather unusual sequence of moves arising with the recent interpretation of the Open Ruy Lopez with 6.d4 Be7?
[FEN ""...
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Bird's Defense Deferred
In the Bird's Defense Deferred in the Ruy Lopez(1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nd4), why can't White take the e5-pawn?
user24344
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How should one play as Black vs. the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation?
As the title above states, how should one play as Black vs. the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation? In other words, after `
[FEN ""]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6
(The Exchange ...
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Looking for analysis or games of top players in less known, perhaps a bit dubious but aggressive lines in the Ruy Lopez from Black's point of view
When my opponent plays 1. e4 I reply with 1... e5. When the game shifts to Ruy Lopez after 2. Nf3 and 3. Bb5 I respond 3... f5. Although this opening is to my taste, I am not reluctant to learn more ...
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How do I keep my bishop pair in this Ruy Lopez line?
I am learning Ruy Lopez. And I always play Ruy Lopez opening while I am playing with the white pieces. I recently played the game with Ruy-Lopez and my moves are
[FEN ""]
[StartPly "10"]
1.e4 e5 2....
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Good books to learn the Ruy Lopez with
I have a very poor repertoire; with White I only play d4, and though I'm quite familiarized with the possibilities on this opening move, I'm lost regarding 1. e4.
Trying to gain flexibility, I want ...
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Pawn Structure Change in the Pirc - dxe5 or Nxe5?
As black I reached this position in a recent game
[White "Somebody"]
[Black "Ian Bush"]
[Result "*"]
[ECO "B07"]
[FEN ""]
[StartPly "23"]
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3 c6 5.f3 b5 6.a3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 ...
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Why is the Cozio defense in the Ruy Lopez not played more often and what's white's best try to defeat it?
The Cozio defense arises after these moves:
[FEN ""]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nge7
At first, this looks like just another dubious opening, but I found it surprisingly hard to prove an advantage with ...
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Finding a plan in the Archangels Spanish when white plays Be3 to exchange the dark-squared bishop
Black to play and find a plan:
[FEN ""]
[StartFlipped "1"]
[StartPly "25"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. c3 d6 8. h3 O-O 9. Qe2 Bb7 10. d3 Ne7 11. Be3 Bxe3 12. ...
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Why did Kasparov avoid the Marshall Attack?(With White)
I read that during Kasparov's long chess career he always avoided the Marshall attack with Anti-Marshalls (h3 and a4). This seems very counter-intuitive to me since the positions that arise from the ...
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Firouzja vs Kovalev: what went wrong for black in the opening?
In the first round of the ongoing Wijk aan zee Masters tournament, Firouzja won vs Kovalev. Apparently, right out of the opening white had gained a winning edge. In particular, somewhere around 16......
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Is it a good habit for an amateur to always try to play the best move (according to his best calculation and knowledge)?
Is it a good habit for an amateur to always try to play the best move (according to his best calculation), instead of sometimes purporsely play an inferior move hoping that his opponent does not know ...
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Advance of d4 in the Ruy Lopez
I was White in this position, and Black had just played f6.
[FEN "r1bqkb1r/ppppn1pp/2n2p2/1B2p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQ1RK1 w kq - 0 1"]
I played c3 to prepare a push of d4 and strike the center.
...
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Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 f6
Theory recommends 5. ... f6. Why? What is the specific reason behind this move? How this move helps Black? Other than 5. ... f6, are ...
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Why always 4...dxc6 and not 4...bxc6 in the Ruy Lopez Exchange?
[FEN "r1bqkbnr/1ppp1ppp/p1B5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R b - - 0 1"]
In the Ruy Lopez Exchange, black always takes back the bishop with 4...dxc6. In Timothy Taylor's 2011 book Slay the Spanish, he ...
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What are some ideas for black in the Ruy Lopez when white plays an early d3?
If white plays an early d3 in the Ruy Lopez (presumably after c3 to give the light-squared bishop a retreat square) what are some ideas for black? I'm talking about those lines where white doesn't ...
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In the Berlin Defence, why is 4.0-0 prefered to 4.Nc3?
In the Berlin Defence, why is 4.0-0 preferred to 4.Nc3, as then White can transition into the four knights?
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What would you suggest I play vs. the Ruy Lopez, if I already play the Two Knights Defense vs. 3. Bc4?
I play the Two Knighs Defense as Black vs. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4, in the spirit of counterattack. What would you suggest I play as Black vs. the Ruy Lopez?
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Why is the Ruy Lopez a sensible opening for white?
As an amateur, I prefer the Scotch game as opposed to Ruy Lopez, since I feel that White loses tempo and Black seems to gain tempo with queenside counterplay in the main line.
[title "Ruy Lopez"]
[...
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Why is 5...Be7 played before ...b5 in the main line of the Closed Ruy Lopez?
Here is what I've seen described as the main line of the Closed Ruy Lopez up to move 7:
[fen ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6
5. O-O Be7 (5... b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. Re1 d6) 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 ...
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Is this knight sacrifice a good idea?
I often play the following variation with black when I play blitz. Somehow it refuses the known lines of the Spanish.
It looks like that black is going to be destroyed but almost always I win when I ...
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What is the long-term idea of the Ruy-Lopez opening?
I have studied the London opening system on lichess.org. What really clicked with me are the systems two main ideas: (1) develop a defensive structure which (2) allows you to crash black's kingside ...
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Has anyone had positive results using the Ruy Lopez Norwegian variation nightingale gambit?
There is a variation of the Ruy lopez that I have recently played and made two sacrifices and ended up with a very good game, and I wanted to know if anyone else could or have tried it? Here is the ...
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How do you deal with the pinned knight on f3 in the Ruy Lopez (as white)?
I find myself in positions like this a lot when playing the Ruy Lopez:
[fen ""]
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 d6
4. O-O Bg4
If I try to kick the bishop out with 5. h3, they back up to h5 and I'm in ...
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When to (and when not to) play Bxc6 (i.e. BxN) as White in Ruy Lopez?
Inspired by this question: when should one play Bxc6, capturing the Knight, in Ruy Lopez?
Related, but hopefully not a duplicate: this question, but it focusses on why Bxc6 isn't a popular move, while ...
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Jaenisch/Schliemann Gambit
Is the Jaenisch/Schliemann Gambit being played or it has become out of fashion?
PS: I am a club player (FIDE ~1800) and occasionally use it to success.
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In the Schliemann defense, who does Schliemann refer to?
The Schliemann's Defence or Schliemann–Jaenisch Gambit refers to the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5.
f5 is of course a gambit move by black typically known as the Jaenisch Gambit when white ...
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Why, or how, can GMs make mistakes in opening books?
In the following position, McDonald states that 14. d4! is the move that gives a large advantage to White.
r1bqr1k1/2p2pp1/pbn4p/1p1np3/P7/1BPP1N2/1P3PPP/R1BQRNK1 w - - 0 14
However, 14. axb5 wins ...
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White's Response to the Norwegian Defense
In the Norwegian Defense of the Ruy Lopez
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Na5 6. O-O (6. d4 exd4 7. Nxd4 c5? 8. Bd5!)
Neil MacDonald suggests 6. O-O as a response. Why isn't ...
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Ruy Lopez 3...a6 & 6...Bc5 setup - a4 vs c3+d4 idea for White?
Here's the position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
[StartPly "12"]
[FEN ""]
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
There are 2 main ...
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Looking for a repertoire book on the Spanish with 5.d3 (4.d3 vs the Berlin)?
Does anyone know of a good (or not so) repertoire book on the Spanish with 5.d3 vs the main line and 4.d3 vs the Berlin? Is there such a thing on the market? I've already got Andrew Martin's DVD The ...
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Resources on the Ruy Lopez for White - why so few?
The Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular chess openings for both sides after 1.e4, and despite this I feel like there are few good detailed resources for players of the white side wishing to play the ...
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Why is 5.c3 the most common move in the Ruy Lopez, Berlin defence, Beverwijk variation?
Disclaimer: I'm a very, very green player.
After the first 4 moves, all of which seem natural given my understanding of basic opening principles (control the center, develop your knights, etc.), I ...
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