Theoria
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Polish Opening

Rooks Swap Line

A00solidoffbeat

  1. 1.b4e6
  2. 2.Bb2Nf6
  3. 3.b5a6
  4. 4.a4axb5
  5. 5.axb5Rxa1
  6. 6.Bxa1
615 games51%43%

A Polish Opening line in which Black answers 3. b5 with 3...a6, leading to a trade of rooks on the a-file and a level, rather drawish position.

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About the Rooks Swap Line

The Rooks Swap Line arises when Black meets White's early 3. b5 with 3...a6. After 4. a4 axb5 5. axb5 Rxa1 6. Bxa1 the a-file is open and both queen's rooks are gone. The bishop stays on the long diagonal from its corner, while the advanced b5-pawn can become a target. The position is level and considered drawish. Black most often continues 6...c6, attacking b5, or 6...d5, taking the center.

Popular continuations