Ruy Lopez · C74

Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, after 5. c3, through 7. O-O

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 d6 5. c3 f5 6. exf5 Bxf5 7. O-O

An early pawn trade leaves the e-file as White's avenue and the f-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. ...a6 puts the question to the bishop at once; after Ba4 the main roads of the Lopez open - Black keeps ...b5 in reserve and fights for the centre.

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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