Ruy Lopez · C86

Closed, Worrall Attack, Castling Line, after 5. Qe2

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. Qe2 Be7 6. O-O b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. c3 d5 9. d3

The pawns on d5 and e4 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.

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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