Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Bulgarian Variation

C60offbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a5
381 games59%38%

The Bulgarian Variation meets the Ruy Lopez with 3...a5, a rare, noncommittal sideline that cedes White a slight edge but sets a bishop trap.

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About the Bulgarian Variation

The Bulgarian Variation, 3...a5, is one of the rarest third-move replies to the Ruy Lopez. The rook's pawn neither defends e5 nor develops a piece. One suggested point is a trap: after 4. O-O Nd4 5. Nxd4 exd4, the careless 6. d3 c6 7. Bc4 b5 leaves White's bishop trapped. The usual replies are 4. Bxc6 and 4. O-O, with the latter scoring well for White, and engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations