Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Open, Howell Attack, Ekstrom Variation

C81positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-ONxe4
  6. 6.d4b5
  7. 7.Bb3d5
  8. 8.dxe5Be6
  9. 9.Qe2Be7
  10. 10.Rd1O-O
  11. 11.c4bxc4
  12. 12.Bxc4Qd7

No game statistics for this position yet.

A C81 line of the Open Ruy Lopez Howell Attack in which Black meets White's c4 break by recapturing structure with 12...Qd7, keeping d5 defended.

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About the Ekstrom Variation

The Ekstrom Variation arises after 10...O-O 11. c4 bxc4 12. Bxc4 Qd7. White's c4 break has opened lines against d5, which the rook on d1 pins, and the bishop on c4 adds pressure. Black chooses a quiet queen move rather than 12...Bc5 13. Be3. This keeps the d-pawn defended and links the rooks. Black is left with an isolated a-pawn, and the b, c, d and e-files are half-open.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.