Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Closed, Martinez Variation

C84positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-OBe7
  6. 6.d3
1,682 games50%45%

A modern Closed Ruy Lopez line in which 6. d3 defends e4 with a pawn, avoiding the Marshall Attack and leading to flexible maneuvering play.

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About the Martinez Variation

The Martinez Variation, 6. d3, protects e4 with a pawn instead of the rook and so avoids both the Marshall Attack and the Anti-Marshall systems. It renews the threat of Bxc6 and Nxe5, and Black normally replies 6...b5 or 6...d6. White then chooses between c3 and Nbd2, preparing d4, or Nc3, aiming at d5. After 6...b5 7. Bb3 d6, the threat of ...Na5 is usually met by 8. a3, 8. a4 or 8. c3.

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