Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Exchange Variation, Bronstein Variation

C69positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Bxc6dxc6
  5. 5.O-OQd6
418 games44%48%

An Exchange Ruy Lopez line in which Black defends e5 with 5...Qd6, preparing queenside castling and pressure on the d-file, with balanced play.

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About the Bronstein Variation

The Bronstein Variation guards e5 against Nxe5 with 5...Qd6 and leaves f6 available for the knight. The queen supports ...Be6 or ...Bg4 followed by ...O-O-O, forming a battery on the half-open d-file. After 6. d4 exd4 7. Nxd4, Black can play 7...Bd7 and castle long. White also has 6. Na3 and 6. d3, both popular choices. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced, and Oleg Romanishin has employed the line successfully.

Popular continuations