Closed, Worrall Attack, Castling Line
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5a6
- 4.Ba4Nf6
- 5.O-OBe7
- 6.Qe2b5
- 7.Bb3O-O
131 games
Ruy Lopez line where Black meets the Worrall Attack's 6. Qe2 by castling with 7...O-O, keeping the d-pawn uncommitted. The position is roughly balanced.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Castling Line
The Castling Line arises when Black answers the Worrall Attack by castling with 7...O-O. Black completes kingside development before deciding on the d-pawn, unlike the Delayed Castling Line with 7...d6. White most often replies 8. c3, preparing d4 while the queen keeps e4 covered. The rarer 8. a4 challenges Black's queenside pawns, and 8. Rd1 puts the rook behind the d-pawn. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced, though White has scored well in the games recorded.