Classical Variation, Endgame Variation

The Endgame Variation answers the Carlsbad pin 9. Bg5 with 9...Be6. Black reinforces d5 with the bishop instead of resolving the central tension through 9...cxd4 or 9...c4. The most frequent reply, 10. dxc5, clarifies the structure at once. The alternatives 10. Rc1 and 10. e3 keep up the pressure more slowly. The engine gives White a slight edge, yet practical results are almost exactly even, and Black scores well after 10. Rc1.