Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Closed, Karpov Variation

C92solidpositional

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-OBe7
  6. 6.Re1b5
  7. 7.Bb3d6
  8. 8.c3O-O
  9. 9.h3Nd7

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Closed Ruy Lopez line in which Black retreats the knight with 9...Nd7 to free f6 for the bishop, leading to solid but somewhat passive positions.

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About the Karpov Variation

Also known as the Keres Variation, 9...Nd7 clears f6 for the bishop, with ...Nb6 and ...Bb7 to follow. The knight covers g5 and supports ...f5, but it congests the queenside and leaves the king with one defender fewer. After 10. d4 Bf6 11. a4 Bb7, White often plays 12. Na3 to press on the queenside, or closes the center with 12. d5. Karpov played it in the 1990 World Championship.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.