Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Marshall Attack, Steiner Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-OBe7
  6. 6.Re1b5
  7. 7.Bb3O-O
  8. 8.c3d5
  9. 9.exd5e4
294 games30%66%

A Marshall Attack sideline in which Black answers 9. exd5 with 9...e4, hitting the f3-knight; it is dubious but scores well for Black at club level.

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About the Steiner Variation

The Steiner Variation, named after the American player Herman Steiner, has Black answer 9. exd5 with 9...e4 instead of recapturing. The pawn hits the f3-knight and leaves the c6-knight hanging. The usual and strongest reply is 10. dxc6. After 10...exf3 11. Qxf3 Bg4, traps arise that help explain Black's high online score. Against 10. Ng5, the reply 10...Na5 aims for the bishop pair. Engines give White a clear advantage, and the line is rare in master play.

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