Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. 1st standard mistake by Black
1. e41... e5After 1... e5We play ♞g1-f3, developing the piece and attacking ♟e5
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6The starting position of the Spanish Game arises after the developing move ♝f1-b5, after which Black has quite a few different possibilities.
3. Bb53... a6After 3... a6In no case do we exchange; instead, we retreat with ♝b5-a4, maintaining the pressure. In the Spanish, we do everything we can to preserve the light-squared ♝—it is a very important piece for White!
4. Ba4
After 4... Nf6White to move. At the board4... Nf6After 4... Nf6We confidently castle, dear chess enthusiasts!
5. O-O5... b5After 5... b5It is important to know that the immediate advance ♟b7-b5 is not accurate for Black, as it allows us to pose serious problems for them. The main move is ...♝f8-e7. We confidently retreat ♝a4-b3!
6. Bb36... Be7After 6... Be7What do we do when the opponent’s ♚ is stuck in the center? That’s right, we open up the center — ♟d2-d4!
7. d4After 7... exd4White to move. At the board7... exd4After 7... exd4The most obvious reaction for Black turns out to be a blunder. Now the path is cleared for ♟e4, and we take advantage of this by removing ♞f6 from its solid position — ♟e4-e5!
8. e58... Ng4After 8... Ng4Pay attention to the hanging pawn ♟e5 in the center, supporting it with ♜f1-e1!
9. Re19... O-OAfter 9... O-ONow that we are fully protected, we play ♟h2-h3, forcing ♞g4 to move to a terrible square.
10. h310... Nh6After 10... Nh6Taking advantage of the opportunity, we trade: ♝c1xh6, opening up the position of the enemy ♚.
11. Bxh611... gxh6After 11... gxh6White has several good moves, but the most effective is ♟c2-c3 with the aim of freeing the c3 square for ♞b1.
12. c312... dxc3After 12... dxc3We capture the pawn in return — ♞b1xc3!
After 13. Nxc3Black to move. At the board13. Nxc3After 13. Nxc3White has comfortable development and a decisive advantage!
2. 2nd standard mistake by Black
1. e41... e5After 1... e5We play ♞g1-f3, developing a piece and attacking ♟e5
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6The starting position of the Ruy Lopez arises after the developing move ♝f1-b5, after which Black has quite a few different options.
3. Bb53... a6After 3... a6Under no circumstances do we exchange; instead, we retreat ♝b5-a4, maintaining the pressure. In the Spanish, we do our utmost to preserve the light-squared ♝—this is a very important piece for White!
4. Ba4After 4... Nf6White to move. At the board4... Nf6After 4... Nf6We confidently castle, dear chess enthusiasts!
5. O-O5... b5After 5... b5It is important to know that the immediate attack ♟b7-b5 is not precise for Black, as it allows us to pose Black significant problems. The main move is ...♝f8-e7. We confidently retreat ♝a4-b3!
6. Bb36... Be7After 6... Be7What do we do when the opponent's ♚ is left in the center? That's right, we open up the center — ♟d2-d4!
7. d4After 7... exd4White to move. At the board7... exd4After 7... exd4The most obvious reaction for Black turns out to be a blunder. Now a path is cleared for ♟e4, and we take advantage of this by dislodging ♞f6 from its stable position — ♟e4-e5!
8. e58... Ng4After 8... Ng4We pay attention to the hanging ♟e5 in the center, reinforcing it with ♜f1-e1!
9. Re19... d6After 9... d6Notice the change: loss of control over ♞c6. We play ♝b3-d5, partially paralyzing Black’s queenside.
10. Bd510... Bb7After 10... Bb7When a pin occurs, what do we do in such a case? We build up pressure on it! We take ♞f3xd4, attacking both knights at once.
11. Nxd4After 11... Ngxe5White to move. At the board11... Ngxe5After 11... Ngxe5It seems that Black manages to get out unscathed, but their pieces are positioned very precariously, especially ♞e5. We exchange with ♞d4xc6, securing a material win at the end of the line.
12. Nxc612... Bxc6After 12... Bxc6Having an excellent opportunity, we strike — ♜e1xe5, knocking out the support from under ♝c6
13. Rxe513... dxe5After 13... dxe5We capture the bishop in return with check — ♝d5xc6!
14. Bxc6+14... Kf8After 14... Kf8Do not forget to pay attention to the undefended queen, moving her out of attack — ♛d1-f3
After 15. Qf3Black to move. At the board15. Qf3After 15. Qf3With a decisive advantage!
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.