Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Open, Zukertort Variation

C80offbeatpositional

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5a6
  4. 4.Ba4Nf6
  5. 5.O-ONxe4
  6. 6.d4b5
  7. 7.Bb3d5
  8. 8.dxe5Ne7

No game statistics for this position yet.

A sideline of the Open Ruy Lopez in which Black defends d5 with 8...Ne7 instead of 8...Be6, a slow move that leaves White comfortably placed.

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About the Zukertort Variation

The Zukertort Variation is 8...Ne7, a deviation from the standard 8...Be6 in the Open Ruy Lopez. After 8. dxe5 uncovers pressure on d5, the knight drops back from c6 to protect the pawn. Unlike the bishop move, it develops nothing new and keeps the c8-bishop at home. The line is regarded as slow and inferior; White can even concede the bishop pair and still keep a commanding position.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.