Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Closed, Worrall Attack, Delayed Castling Line

C86positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-OBe7
  6. 6.Qe2b5
  7. 7.Bb3d6
116 games56%41%

Worrall Attack line of the Closed Ruy Lopez in which Black plays 7...d6 before castling, keeping the king flexible in a balanced maneuvering game.

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About the Delayed Castling Line

Here Black answers the Worrall Attack with 7...d6, supporting e5 and opening the c8-bishop's diagonal while the king stays in the center for another move. White most often prepares d4 with 8. c3, which has scored well. The alternatives are 8. Rd1, which puts the rook behind the d-pawn as the Worrall intends, and 8. h3, which has fared poorly. Engines rate the position roughly balanced and also favor a4 against the b5-pawn.

Popular continuations