Vinogradov Variation

The Vinogradov Variation of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) is 3...Qe7, one of Black's less common third moves. The queen protects e5 directly, so White cannot follow Bxc6 dxc6 with Nxe5 and pick up the pawn. The concession is considerable. The queen obstructs the f8-bishop, which slows kingside development and castling. It also stands on the e-file, where it can come under pressure from a White rook. A typical example is 4. O-O Nf6 5. Re1, which sets up exactly that confrontation.

Castling with 4. O-O is the most popular reply and scores well for White. The developing 4. Nc3 also scores well for White. The exchange 4. Bxc6 is the second most frequent choice, but in practice Black has done slightly better than White against it. Engines rate the position as a clear advantage for White. Their preferred moves are O-O, Nc3 and the preparatory c3. The variation remains an offbeat try rather than a theoretically established defense.