Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Closed, Smyslov-Breyer-Zaitsev Hybrid

C92positionalsolid

  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.h3Bb7
  10. 10.d4Re8
  11. 11.Nbd2Bf8
  12. 12.a3h6

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Closed Ruy Lopez line in which Black pairs the Zaitsev setup of ...Bb7, ...Re8 and ...Bf8 with the prophylactic ...h6, aimed against White's e4 pawn.

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About the Smyslov-Breyer-Zaitsev Hybrid

This branch of the Closed Ruy Lopez, or Spanish Game, has Black use the Zaitsev deployment of 9...Bb7, 10...Re8 and 11...Bf8, which builds pressure against e4. White's 12. a3 takes the b4 square away from Black's queen's knight. Black answers with 12...h6, a Smyslov-style precaution that rules out Ng5 and keeps the kingside secure. The result is a slow, maneuvering struggle around the d4/e5 center.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.