Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Retreat Variation

C60offbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5Nb8
255 games66%29%

A rare joke line of the Ruy Lopez in which Black retreats the c6-knight to b8 with 3...Nb8, giving up development and leaving the e5-pawn undefended.

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About the Retreat Variation

The Retreat Variation, 3...Nb8, sends Black's knight back to its home square, undoing development and leaving e5 without a defender. It is a joke or a slip rather than a serious defense. White can take the pawn with 4. Nxe5, when 4...Qg5 5. d4 Qxg2 6. Qf3 Qxf3 7. Nxf3 regains it but leaves Black a worse endgame. White can also politely repeat with 4. Bf1 Nc6 5. Bb5. Engines rate White clearly better.

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