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Ruy Lopez

Lucena Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5Be7
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The Lucena Variation of the Ruy Lopez, 3...Be7, is a rare and modest reply aiming for Closed Spanish setups that leaves White an easy edge.

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About the Lucena Variation

The Lucena Variation, also known as the Lucena Defense, is the uncommon reply 3...Be7. It develops the king's bishop modestly in the hope of transposing to Closed Ruy Lopez structures while postponing ...a6 and ...Nf6. The move puts no question to the Spanish bishop, and 4. Nc3 is regarded as giving White a comfortable edge; engines likewise favor White slightly. In practice 4. O-O and 4. Bxc6 are the most frequent responses.

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