Ruy Lopez · C95

Closed, Breyer Defense, Zaitsev Hybrid

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7

The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. The classic tabiya: White probes with c3/d4 and the b1-knight's journey; Black keeps the strongpoint on e5 and chooses between ...c5 counterplay and kingside defence. Black's pawn on f7 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

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