Chess Openings for Beginners

Sicilian Defense Scheveningen Variation

2012-02-20T14:03:00.010Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
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This chess post is designed for chess beginners to learn the Scheveningen variation of the Sicilian Defense. On this page you can see general description of the Scheveningen variation of the Sicilian, its main and less common play lines and chess video on the Scheveningen.

The Scheveningen variation of the Sicilian Defense was first noticed in 1923 during a chess tournament in the village Scheveningen near the Hague. During the tournament this variation was played several times by several players, including Euwe playing it against Maroczy.

The Sicilian Scheveningen was a favorite variation of Garry Kasparov. It is ambitious and popular today. It may transpose into the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian. Black may build the pawn structure 1... c5 2... d6 3... e6 as an answer to a non-standard White play of the Sicilian.

Variation Name: The Scheveningen variation of the Sicilian Defense
Moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6
ECO Codes: B80-B89

The Sicilian Scheveningen has 3 main lines of play and 4 less common:
Main line 1: 6.g4 (most popular today)
Main line 2: 6.Be2
Main line 3: 6.Be3

Less common line 1: 6.g3
Less common line 2: 6.f4
Less common line 3: 6.Bc4
Less common line 4: 6.Bb5+

To understand in a visible way the Scheveningen variation of the Sicilian, to get a general picture and presentation of this variation and to study the most common play lines of the Scheveningen, you are recommended to see the following video:

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• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Note. One video may be not enough to learn the Sicilian Scheveningen. Because the variation is large, there will be published a special PGN file. The Scheveningen PGN files will be placed on the next separate page of this chess openings blog. Thank you!

Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation

2012-01-22T09:36:00.010Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Main Page of the Sicilian Defense]

This chess post is designed for chess beginners to learn the Dragon variation of the Sicilian Defense chess opening. Please be advised that at the chess master level, the Dragon variation is the 2nd most common variation of the Sicilian Defense - after the Najdorf variation.

The Dragon is strong defense for Black, not difficult to learn and not so sharp as the Najdorf may be. On this page, find data and general description of the Dragon variation and chess video at the bottom of this page. A special PGN file on the Dragon will be published later.

The German chess master Louis Paulsen invented the modern form of the Dragon variation in 1880. From his part, the Russian chess master and astronomer Fyodor Dus-Chotimirsky named it Dragon because the resemblance of Black’s kingside pawn structure to the constellation Draco.

Variation Name: The Dragon variation of the Sicilian Defense
Moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6
ECO Codes: B70-B79

The Sicilian Dragon has 2 main lines of play and 4 less common:
Main line 1: 6.Be3
Main line 2: 6.Be2

Less common line 1: 6.Bc4
Less common line 2: 6.f4 (f3 is seen rarely today)
Less common line 3: 6.g3
Less common line 4: 6.Bg5

To understand in a visible way the Dragon variation of the Sicilian Defense, to get a general picture and presentation of this variation, and to study the most common playing lines of the Dragon, you are recommended to see the following video:

• If the opening video hasn’t shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Note. One video may be not enough to learn the Sicilian Dragon. Because the Dragon variation is large, there will be published a special PGN file. The Dragon PGN files will be placed on the next separate page of this chess openings blog. Thank you!

Sicilian PGN File Najdorf Variation

2011-12-01T20:38:00.016Z

[>>Return to the Main Page of the Sicilian Defense]
[>Return to the Sicilian Najdorf Description]

The Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense chess opening being large to learn, on this page you can download a special PGN file on the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian. The following is more information on the Najdorf PGN file, download link and more explanations.

The Najdorf PGN file includes 74 games on the Sicilian Najdorf variation. Of them: • 9 games were played by Bobby Fischer in 1956-1971; • 9 games were played by Garry Kasparov in 1994-2005; • 56 games were played by FIDE chess players rated 2250 and above in 2011.

The games were sorted by the playing lines of the Najdorf: • English Attack 6.Be3; • Main line 6.Bg5; • Najdorf 6.Be2; • Najdorf 6.Bc4; • Najdorf 6.f4; • Najdorf 6.g3; • Najdorf 6.h3. The games were analyzed by a computer program at the end of the opening phase.

To recall, the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense includes these moves:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6

To download the Najdorf PGN file, click the link below:
Sicilian Najdorf PGN File (61 KB)

Note. To read the above Najdorf PGN file, you will need a PGN Viewer computer program. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation

2011-11-03T12:34:00.011Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Main Page of the Sicilian Defense]

If you are a chess beginner, this page will give you an initial information on the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense. Find data on the Najdorf variation, see chess video on the Najdorf. Special PGN files on this variation will be provided later on a separate page.

The Najdorf variation is number one variation of the Sicilian Defense. This variation of the Sicilian is very popular at the chess master level and at the top level of chess. It was very popular among many World Chess Champions including Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov.

It is named after the Polish-Argentinian Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf (born Mieczyslaw Najdorf, 1910-1997) who contributed a lot to the variation. The Najdorf is one of the sharpest variation of the Sicilian Defense and not easy in learn because of many decent lines of play.

Variation Name: The Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense
Moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
ECO Codes: B90-B99

By popularity, White has 3 most common answers (6.Be3, 6.Bg5, Be2) and 4 less common (6.Bc4, 6.f4, 6.g3, 6.h3). The White answer 6.Be3 is officially named the Byrne (English) Attack, the 6.Bg5 answer is unofficially called the Main Line, and 6.Bc4 is the Fischer-Sozin Attack.

To understand in a visible way the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense, to get a general picture and presentation of this variation, and to study the most common playing lines of the Najdorf, you are recommended to see the following video:

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• If the video stops, drag a little right the player’s handle.
• If the video displays an error, try to start and play it later.

Note. Having seen one video may be not enough to learn it. Because the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense is large, there will be published special PGN files. The Najdorf PGN files will be placed on a separate page of this chess openings blog. Thanks!

Sicilian Defense

2011-09-12T16:43:00.028+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[*See all Open Games: Open Games - One by One]

This page will help you learn the Sicilian Defense chess opening. Find data, description, main lines and variations of the Sicilian in part I. See video under the name of "Sicilian Defense Main Variations" in part II. Find more links on this chess opening in part III.

Part I. Sicilian Defense Data and Description

Opening Name: Sicilian Defense
Opening Type: Semi-Open Game
Move Order: 1.e4 c5
ECO Codes: B20-B99

The Sicilian Defense was invented by Giulio Polerio in 1594. This chess opening was first named as Sicilian Defense by Jacob Sarratt in 1813. The Sicilian Defense is the most popular chess opening in chess. It is organic, beautiful, and best defense for Black.

Because of this, sometimes White avoids the Sicilian Defense by starting the game with 1.d4... There are 3 main lines that cover 70% of all the Sicilian play as follows. 1st Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 ~ 30%. 2nd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 ~ 25%. 3rd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 ~ 15%.

The Sicilian Defense has many variations. The Najdorf, Dragon and Scheveningen are the most common. They run via 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6. The following is the list of 15 main Sicilian variations - in the order of popularity. You can see these variations in the video below.

• Najdorf variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6, B90-B99.
• Dragon variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6, B70-B79.
• Scheveningen variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, B80-B89.

• Rossolimo Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, B30-B31.
• Classical variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2, B58-B59.
• 2.Nf3 e6 variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6, B40-B49.

• Sicilian Counter-Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4, B40.
• Closed variation [3.g3]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3, B24-B25.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [3.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4, B23.

• Alapin variation: 1.e4 c5 2.c3, B22.
• Smith-Morra Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3, B21.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [2.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.f4, B21.

• Steinitz variation: 1.e4 c5 2.g3, B20.
• Keres variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Ne2, B20.
• Wing Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.b4, B20.

Part II. Sicilian Defense Video Main Variations

This video on the Sicilian Defense includes 3 parts. Part I is a general description of the Sicilian Defense. Part II shows 3 main lines of playing the opening. Part III shows 15 main variations of the Sicilian. To see the video, click the Play button below:

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Part III. Sicilian Defense More Links

More links on the Sicilian Defense chess opening will be placed here as soon as possible. They will show how to correctly play the main variations of the Sicilian Defense. Thank you for you patience!

• Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation [text, video]
• Sicilian Najdorf PGN File [pgn download]
• Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation [text, video]
• Sicilian Defense Scheveningen Variation [text, video]

French Defense | Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2

2011-09-05T20:12:00.006+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the French Defense Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this is to give initial knowledge on the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense chess opening. The Tarrasch variation 3.Nd2 of the French Defense is popular enough. It is the 2nd most common variation of the French, after its main line 3.Nc3.

The Tarrasch variation of the French starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2... It is ECO codes C03-C09. At the beginning, White makes slight delay to support the center with his knight from d2. The 2nd White knight may also temporary land on e2. Later, the knights usually jump aside.

The Tarrasch variation of the French is a delicate opening with good chances for the both parties. The typical White moves are: e5, c3, Bd3, Nd2-Nb3, Ne2-Nf3. The typical Black moves: c5, Nf6, Bd6 or Be7, later Nc6. Usually, White and Black castle kingside.

Black tries to undermine the White pawn structure... The Tarrasch has 4 main lines according to the Black answers: • 3... Nf6 ~ 40%; • 3... c5 ~ 30%; • 3... dxe4 ~ 10%; • 3... Be7 ~ 5%. The most popular line: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.c3 c5 6.Bd3 Nc6...

To see in a visible way the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense and to learn how to correctly play its 4 proven lines, you are recommended the following video. This video must give you a proper understanding of the Tarrasch variation of the French:

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Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense | Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen variation

2011-06-07T12:55:00.002+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the French Defense Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this is to give initial knowledge on the main line 3.Nc3 of the French Defense. This line starts 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. Unofficially, the line is called the main line 3.Nc3 - But officially, it is the Paulsen variation of the French Defense.

The line 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 is called Main Line because 40 percent of the French games start like that. The line is very popular at the chess master level and at the top level of chess today. And the following is more information on it - very short in reading.

The main line of the French Defense gives decent opening possibilities for both White and Black. Maybe this is one of the reasons of great popularity of this way of playing the French. After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3, Black has the following 3 main options to continue:

• Winawer (Nimzovich) variation, 3... Bb4.
• Classical variation, 3... Nf6.
• Rubinstein variation, 3... dxe4.

To see in a visible way the main line of the French Defense and the Winawer, Classical, and Rubinstein variations, you are recommended to see the video below. This video will show the most common proven lines of the French Defense on the topic covered:

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Thank you for visiting and learning chess openings!

French Defense | Advance Variation

2011-05-05T16:01:00.007+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the French Defense Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this is to give initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the French Defense. The Advance is one of the most playable variation of the French Defense. Read below data and description on this variation and see chess video on the Advance.

Variation Name: Advance variation of the French Defense.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5.
ECO Code: C02.

The French Advance is interesting in play, with mutual chances. White moves 3.e5 to get some space, and Black tries to undermine on d4. Mostly, the game runs 3... c5 4.c3. Usually White castles kingside and Black queenside. The following is 2 Main Lines of this variation:

Line 1: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3 [or 6.Be2]...
Line 2: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 [or 6... f6]...
The above-mentioned 2 Main Lines are popular at the grandmaster level.

The following is other 4 ways to start the French Advance variation:
Way 1: 3... c5 4.c3 Qb6... Way 2: 3... c5 4.Nf3 Nc6...
Way 3: 3... b6 4.c3 Qd7... Way 4: 3... Nc6 4.Nf3 Nge7...

Below is the chess video on the Advance variation of the French Defense chess opening. The video consists of the following 3 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II shows how to correctly play 2 Main Lines. Part III shows next 4 common ways to start the Advance variation:

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Thank you for visiting and learning chess openings!

French Defense | Exchange Variation

2011-04-19T12:47:00.015+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the French Defense - Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this is to give initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the French Defense, which is one of the most playable variation within this chess opening. Please find below the data, general description and a chess video about this variation.

Variation Name: Exchange variation.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5.
ECO Code: C01.

The French Defense, Exchange has reputation of simple, "symmetrical" and drawing variation. After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 (the designated moves of this variation), the most common answer for Black is 3... exd5. The most common lines of the Exchange variation are the following 5:

• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2...
• 3... exd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3...

• 3... exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5...
• 3... exd5 4.c4 Nf6...
The last line breaks "the symmetry" of the Exchange variation.

Below is the chess video on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The video runs 3 minutes 41 seconds and consists of 2 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II will show you how to correctly play 5 Proven Lines of the French Exchange.

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French Defense

2011-03-30T13:20:00.011+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[*See all Open Game chess openings: Open Games - One by One]

Designed for chess beginners, this is the main page of the French Defense on this chess opening blog. Find data and general description of the French Defense in part I, the "French Defense: General Information" video in part II, and more links to this opening in part III.

I. French Defense: Data and Description

Opening Name: French Defense
Opening Type: Semi-Open Game
Moves Order: 1.e4 e6
ECO Codes: C00-C19

After the Sicilian, the French Defense is the 2nd most popular semi-open game. It was named after an 1834 correspondence match between London and Paris. During it, a French chess player insisted to try 1... e6. White usually presses on kingside and Black on queenside.

The next is the answering statistics to the French Defense:
• 2.d4 ~ 80%. • 2.d3 ~ 10%.
• other moves ~ 10% (2.Nf3, 2.Nc3, 2.Qe2, 2.b3, 2.c4, ..).

The following is 5 main (most common) variations of the French Defense:
• French Defense, Exchange variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 - C01.
• French Defense, Advance variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 - C02.

• French Defense, Tarrasch variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 - C03.
• French Defense, Paulsen variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 - C10.
• French Defense, Winawer (Nimzovich) variation: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 - C15.

To see the French Defense in a visible way, please find the video below.

II. French Defense Video: General Information

The video will show the designated moves of the French Defense, ECO codes, general description, answering statistics, 5 most common variations, and the most common line. The video consists of 4 parts and runs 3 minutes 16 seconds. To see it, click the Play button below:

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III. French Defense: More Links

More links on this chess opening will follow on. And they will show how to correctly play the main variations of the French Defense... Thank you!

• French Defense, Exchange Variation [text, video]
• French Defense, Advance Variation [text, video]
• French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation [text, video]
• French Defense, Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2 [text, video]

Caro-Kann | Classical Variation

2011-03-14T08:42:00.005Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Caro-Kann Defense - Main Page]

This is to give initial knowledge on the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. Please be informed that the Classical variation is the 4th most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. You can find below the textual description and a chess video on the Classical variation.

Variation Name: Classical variation.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5.
ECO Code: B18.

The variation is the classics of this chess opening. The Classical variation is considered "the most correct" Caro-Kann Defense. The White knight on e4 is under attack after 4... Bf5 and the Classical variation has 2 play lines: with 5.Ng3 (main) and with 5.Nc5 (rare).

The line 5.Ng3 mostly runs 5... Bg6 6.h4 h6 - then this variation line goes as usual development for the both parties. White usually makes long or short castle while Black long. The typical moves are h4, Nf3, Bd3 for the White player and h6, Nd7, Qc7 for the Black player.

The line 5.Nc5 is rare because Black can easily get at least equal position, sometimes with an initiative. Within this variation line, Black may answer 5... Qc7, 5... Nd7 or attacking the White knight with b6 or e5. You can see this in Part III of the video which follows.

Watch the video below to get an idea of what is the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II will show how to play a most common line with 5.Ng3. Part III will show how to play a proven line with 5.Nc5 and more.

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Caro-Kann | Advance Variation

2011-03-08T17:46:00.011Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Caro-Kann Defense - Main Page]

This is to give initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. Please be informed that the Advance variation is the 3rd most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. You can find below the textual description and a chess video on the Advance variation.

Variation Name: Advance variation.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5.
ECO Code: B12.

The variation is named Advance because the White pawn e2-e4 moves (advances) later on e5. Usually, it is not recommended to move a chess piece twice at the opening, but moving twice here is OK because of extra space. Black has to begin the chess game in a small room...

There are 2 play lines of the Advance variation - with 3... Bf5 (main) and with 3... c5 (rare). With 3... Bf5, White usually answers 4.Nf3 or 4.Nc3. Black plays 4... e6 and may develop the g8 knight on e7, g6. Black must be ready to play h6 or h5 to hide the Bf5 bishop.

With 3... c5, White may answers 4.dxc5, 4.c3, or 4.Nf3. With 3... c5, Black is going to undermine the White base pawn on d4. The typical Black moves here are Nc6 and e6. Under correct play, Black must get equal opening positions within the both lines of the Advance...

Watch the video below to get an idea of what is the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts. Part I is introduction. Part II will show how to play a most common line with 3... Bf5. Part III will show how to play a proven line with 3... c5.

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Caro-Kann | Exchange Variation

2010-12-29T11:20:00.010Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Caro-Kann Defense - Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this post gives initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Exchange variation is one of the most popular in the Caro-Kann. See the variation text and video below. A short pgn file on the variation will follow.

Variation Name: Exchange variation.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5.
Parent Opening: Caro-Kann Defense.

Within the Caro-Kann Defense, the Exchange variation has almost the same popularity as the 3.Nc3 variation. The Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann is B13-B14. After 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5, there are 2 playing lines. Line 1 runs via [3... cxd5] 4.c4 (Exchange, Panov-Botvinnik attack).

Line 2 runs via [3... cxd5] 4.Bd3 which is Exchange, Rubinstein variation. Line 1 with 4.c4 on the Exchange, Panov-Botvinnic attack is approximately twice more popular than Line 2. The main continuation of the Panov-Botvinnic attack is 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nf3 Be7 or 6... Bb4.

The Panov-Botvinnic attack of the Exchange variation may be characterized by a beautiful chess opening structure with 2 isolated pawns on d4 and d5. You can see this in the video, which follows. It will show how to correctly play 2 proven lines of the Caro-Kann Exchange:

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To see the latest tendencies in playing the Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, a pgn file on this variation will be added - with fresh chess master games.

Caro-Kann | 3.Nc3 Variation

2010-12-25T16:57:00.014Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Caro-Kann Defense - Main Page]

Designed for chess beginners, this post gives initial knowledge on the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The 3.Nc3 variation is one of the most popular in the Caro-Kann. See the variation text and video below. A short pgn file on the variation will follow.

Variation Name: 3.Nc3 variation.
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3.
Parent Opening: Caro-Kann Defense.

The Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann is ECO codes B15-B19. Officially, the variation has 15 subvariations - all of them run through the following 3 lines: • 3.Nc3 dxe4, • 3.Nc3 g6, • 3.Nc3 b5. The line 3.Nc3 dxe4 is the most popular; the second popular is 3.Nc3 g6.

The 3.Nc3 variation is sometimes called the Modern variation. It is common at the chess master level and at the top level of chess. For example, in the year 2010 the variation was played by V. Ivanchuk (2764), T. Radjabov (2744), P. Eljanov (2742), J. Polgar (2686).

The most popular line of the Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 variation is 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5. To get a feel of the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann, the next video will show you its 1 proven line. The video will also show how to estimate your success in any opening play:

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To learn more, you are welcome to download a pgn file on the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann. The file is 20 games played by chess masters in 2010. The games were analyzed by a computer program and sorted by lines. Best middlegame line for each game is shown:

• The Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 Variation PGN File (19 KB)

To read the pgn file and see the Caro-Kann games in action, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. If you don't have it, click the next link: How to Download Free PGN Viewer Program.

Caro-Kann Defense

2010-12-22T16:11:00.029Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[*See all Open Game chess openings: Open Games - One by One]

This page is designed for chess beginners, and it gives initial knowledge on the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. Here you can find the description of the Caro-Kann opening, chess video "Caro-Kann: General Information", and more links to the opening in question.

I. Caro-Kann: Data and Description

Opening Name: Caro-Kann Defense
Moves Order: 1.e4 c6
ECO Codes: B10–B19

The Caro-Kann is a Semi-Open Game chess opening. It has reputation of solid and strong defense for Black with a good pawn structure in endgame. It is named after the English player Horatio Caro and the Austrian's Marcus Kann. They both analyzed the opening in 1886.

The Caro-Kann is popular, and the following is the answering statistics:
• 2.d4 - 80%. • 2.Nc3 - 6%. • 2.c4 - 5%.
• 2.d3 - 3%. • 2.Nf3 - 3%. Total: 97%.

The following is 8 common variations of the Caro-Kann:
• Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 - B15.
• Caro-Kann, Exchange variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 - B13.
• Caro-Kann, Advance variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 - B12.

• Caro-Kann, Classical variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 - B18.
• Caro-Kann, 3.Nd2 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 - B12.
• Caro-Kann, Tartakower (fantasy) variation: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3 - B12.

• Caro-Kann, 2.Nc3 variation: 1.e4 c6 2.Nc3 - B10.
• Caro-Kann, Anti-Caro-Kann variation: 1.e4 c6 2.c4 - B10.
To see description of the Caro-Kann in a visible way, please find the video below.

II. Caro-Kann Video: General Information

The video will show the designated moves of the Caro-Kann Defense opening, ECO codes, general description, answering statistics, 8 most common variations. The video consists of 4 parts and runs 2 minutes 40 seconds. To see the video, click the Play button below:

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III. Caro-Kann: More Links

Because this is the main page of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening on this chess blog, below you will find more links on this chess opening:

• Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 Variation [text, video, pgn]
• Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation [text, video]
• Caro-Kann, Advance Variation [text, video]
• Caro-Kann, Classical Variation [text, video]

Semi-Open Games | General Information

2010-12-18T17:18:00.019Z

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[*See all Open Game chess openings: Open Games - One by One]

This information is designed for chess beginners, and from this page on we begin to learn the Semi-Open Game chess openings. To get initial general information on the Semi-Open Games, see video "Semi-Open Games: General Info" at the bottom and read the text below.

The Semi-Open Games are chess openings which start with the 1st White move e4 and the 1st Black's any but not e5 (an Open Game chess opening starts with 1.e4 e5). The other name of a Semi-Open Game is Single King Pawn Game because only White moves his King pawn on.

Unlike the Open Games, the Semi-Open Games are more positional in play.
And there are the following 6 main Semi-Open Games:

• Caro-Kann Defense 1.e4 c6, B10–B19.
• French Defense 1.e4 e6, C00-C19.
• Sicilian Defense 1.e4 c5, B20-B99.

• Alekhine's Defense 1.e4 Nf6, B02-B05.
• Scandinavian Defense 1. e4 d5, B01. Synonym: Center Counter Defense.
• Pirc Defense 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3, B07-B09. Synonym: Ufimtsev [Yugoslav] Defence.

The next video will show more on the Semi-Open Games in a visible way:

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On the next lessons, we will study the Semi-Open Games one by one.

Ruy Lopez: 2 Common Traps

2010-11-28T14:30:00.007Z

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This chess opening page presents a video on the Ruy Lopez traps. The video is designed for chess beginners and its title is Ruy Lopez: 2 Common Traps. Find the video at the bottom of this page, and the following is a short description of the video in question.

There are a few dozens of the Ruy Lopez traps and many of them are deep in play. This chess video will show you 2 Ruy Lopez traps which are not deep, common, and must be useful for chess beginners. The first trap may happens at the very beginning of a Ruy Lopez game.

The second trap is called the Mortimer Trap in which Black intentionally moves back waiting for the mistake. Both traps may be used for trapping White opponent and do not lead to the checkmate. The video consists of 3 Parts. To see it, click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense

2010-11-09T22:43:00.012Z

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Designed for chess beginners, this lesson gives initial knowledge on the Schliemann Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes. To learn the Schliemann Defense, you can read its data in Part 1, see Ruy Lopez Video 7 in Part 2, and download the Schliemann Defense PGN file in Part 3.

Part 1: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense - Data

Name: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense Variation
ECO: C63. Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5
Popularity: 5-7% of the Ruy Lopez games.

Other Name: Jaenisch Gambit.
Sub-Variation Name: Schliemann Defense, Berger variation
Sub-Variation Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.Nc3

The Schliemann Defense is one of the six most popular Ruy Lopez variations. It was originated by Carl Jaenisch but later on was named after German lawyer Adolf Karl Wilhelm Schliemann. 4.Nc3, then 4.d3, and 4.Bxc6 are considered the best White answers to the Schliemann Defense.

The Schliemann Defense has 3 main lines: [1]4.Nc3 fxe4, [2]4.d3 fxe4, [3]4.Bxc6 dxc6. Also, there is one sharp line [4.Nc3 fe 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Nxe5 de 7.Nxc6 Qg5 8.Qe2 Nf6..] which is used rarely by chess masters as surprise. This line may not be recommended for chess beginners.

Part 2: Ruy Lopez, Video 7 - Schliemann Defense

The video is made up of 3 parts. Part 1 shows the designated moves of the Schliemann Defense. Part 2 shows how to correctly play the 1st proven line [4.Nc3 fxe4]. Part 2 shows how to correctly play the 2nd proven line [4.d3 fxe4]. To see the video, click the Play button below:

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Part 3: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense - PGN File

The PGN file will show the latest tendencies in playing the Schliemann Defense. The file is 20 games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2400 and above. Game 8 is the famous sharp line performed by a chess player rated 2672 against a top chess player with the rating of 2813.

To download the Schliemann Defense PGN file, click the following link:
Schliemann Defense PGN File (17 KB)

Note. To read the PGN file, you will need a PGN Viewer. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

"Ruy Lopez: All Variations" - Free Chess eBook

2010-11-01T17:27:00.015Z

[*See all lessons - Chess Openings for Beginners]
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Here you can download free chess ebook on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The title of the ebook is "Ruy Lopez - All Variations". The ebook is designed for the chess beginners and not only. Before having downloaded it, please read more on this ebook below.

The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez - All Variations" will give the list of all official variations of the Ruy Lopez including their names, ECO codes, and designated moves. Altogether, 182 variations of the Ruy Lopez - 51 variations starting without 3... a6 and 131 with 3... a6.

The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez - All Variations" will also show the list of 6 most common variations of the Ruy Lopez including their names, ECO codes, designated moves, and main short lines. Do you know what is 6 most common variations of the Ruy Lopez?

6 most common variations are 94% of all Ruy Lopez games. In calculating these statistics, there were used a 3-million database of chessmaster games. Also, the ebook will give short essential description of the Ruy Lopez. 20 pages to read, the ebook is made up of 5 parts.

Part 5 is not related to the content of the ebook. It is a friendly advertisement of 3 chess sites which may be interesting to you. The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez - All Variations" is free and not copyrighted. It is a PDF ebook (you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read it).

To download this chess ebook on the Ruy Lopez, click the next link below:
The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez - All Variations", PDF, 121 KB.

Your opinion on quality of this ebook is welcome at webmaster@chesselo.com.

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Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense Variation

2010-10-17T15:30:00.019+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
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[\\ Download free pdf ebook Ruy Lopez - All Variations]

Designed for chess beginners, this lesson will give initial knowledge on the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes chess opening. To learn the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, read its description in Part 1 and see Video 6 in Part 2 on this page.

Part 1: Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation - Description

By statistics, the Berlin Defense variation is 10-15 % of all Ruy Lopez games.
Under correct play, the variation is considered as solid for Black with a big chance to draw.
Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6.

After 3... Nf6, the strongest White answer is 4.0-0. Other White answering moves, not bad but less common, are: 4.d3, 4.Nc3, 4.Qe2, and 4.Bxc6. The main play line is 4.0-0 Nxe4. Less common lines are: 4.d3 d6, 4.Nc3 Bb4, 4.Qe2 Bc5, and 4.Bxc6 dxc6.

This variation of the Ruy Lopez is sometimes called "the Berlin Wall", and it is quite popular at the chess master level and the top level of chess. To get a feel of correctly playing the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, you are advised to see video 6.

Part 2: Video 6 - Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation

The video consists of 3 parts. Part 1 is Introduction to the Berlin Defense variation, Part 2 will show how to play 2 proven lines (best proven moves for White and Black), Part 3 is Possibilities at Beginning. To see the video, click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense Variation

2010-10-12T08:44:00.013+01:00

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Designed for chess beginners, this is to give initial knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, its Morphy Defense Variation. To learn the Morphy Defense Variation of the Ruy Lopez, please read its description in Part 1 and see Video 5 in Part 2 on this page.

Part 1: Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation - Description

By statistics, 70 % of the Ruy Lopez games start as the Morphy Defense.
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6.
The variation is considered as one of the best for Black in the Ruy Lopez.

After 4... Nf6, White to answer 1 of the next 6 moves: • 5.0-0; • 5.d3; • 5.Qe2; • 5.d4; • 5.Nc3; • 5.Bxc6. The typical moves of the Morphy Defense Variation are: - For White: Bb3 (retreating from a4), Nbd2, d3. - For Black: b5, Be7, Na5, d6.

White and Black usually conduct the Short Castling between the 5th - 11th moves from beginning a Ruy Lopez chess game... But it is better to see it in a visible way by seeing the video on the Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation.

Part 2: Video 5 - Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation

Video 5 "Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense Variation": The video consists of the following 2 parts. Part 1 is Introduction, and Part 2 will show how to play 6 proven lines (best moves for White and Black proved by the long history of chess). To see the video, click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation

2010-06-13T14:55:00.011+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
[>>Return to the Ruy Lopez - Main Page]
[\\ Download free pdf ebook Ruy Lopez - All Variations]

This is to give you initial but essential knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, Exchange Variation. Designed for chess beginners and not only for chess beginners. To learn the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez, read description in Part 1 and see Video 4 in Part 2.

Part 1: Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation - Description

ECO Codes: C68-C69
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6
The Ruy Lopez, Exchange variation is popular today at the all levels of chess...

After 3... a6, White simply takes the knight on c6... Playing the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez, White and Black use the following tactics. White: To damage the whole pawn structure and get advantage on the King side. In the endgame - to break through, promote his pawn, and win.

Black: To keep and explorer the advantage of 2 bishops vs the bishop and knight. If White has changed the pawn structure, Black should not exchange any of his bishop until proper compensation in the opening phase. The Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopes has 7 subvariations:

• Exchange, Alekhine variation [simple, useful for chess beginners]:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d4 exd4 6.Qxd4 Qxd4 7.Nxd4 Bd7
• Exchange, Keres variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nc3

• Exchange, Romanovsky variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nc3 f6 6.d3
• Exchange, 5.O-O variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O

• Exchange, Alapin Gambit variation [very exciting but sharp and risky]:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Bg4 6.h3 h5

• Exchange, Gligoric variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O f6
• Exchange, Bronstein variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Qd6

To provide King safety, White makes short castling while Black makes short castling or long. Within the Exchange variation, the typical White moves are d4 and then Nxd4 or Qxd4 - to preferably change the pawn structure. The typical Black move is f6 which works good for the Exchange variation.

Part 2: Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation - Video 4

Video 4 "Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation" is located below. This video must help you learn the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening in a visible way. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez Exchange variation, just click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez: Main Variations

2010-06-07T15:07:00.019+01:00

[*See all lessons: Chess Openings for Beginners]
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Today we will see the main variations of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. This Ruy Lopez lesson also includes Video 3 on the topic. You can find Video 3 at the bottom of this page. To see all material on the Ruy Lopez, you can click the "Ruy Lopez" link at the top. Welcome!

The Ruy Lopez opening has 184 variations. Today you will learn the names and designated moves of 14 main variations. You are recommended to read below the main variations of the Ruy Lopez in writing. Then, you can learn the main variations by seeing Video 3 at the bottom.

The list of the main variations of the Ruy Lopez follows:
• The Morphy Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6
• The Closed variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7

• The Exchange variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6
• The Open variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4
Note: The Open (Tarrasch) Defence variation is the full name.

• The Marshall Counter-Attack variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.c3 d5
• The Closed, anti-Marshall 8.a4 variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.a4

• The Berlin Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6
• The Berlin Defense, 4.O-O variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O
• The Old Steinitz Defence variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6

• The Classical (Cordel) Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5
• The Schliemann Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5
• The Cozio Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nge7

• The Bird's Defence variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4
• The Fianchetto [Smyslov/Barnes] Defense variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6.
Note: The variations are shown approximately in the order of play popularity.

Video 3 "Ruy Lopez: Main Variations" is located below. This video must help you learn the main variations of the Ruy Lopez in a simple and visible way. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez main variations, just click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez: The Answering Statistics

2010-06-06T08:41:00.012+01:00

[*See: Chess Openings for Beginners - All Lessons]
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Designed for chess beginners, this is post number 2 on the Ruy Lopez chess opening which includes Video 2 under the name "Ruy Lopez: The Answering Statistics". Find Video 2 on this page below. To see all material on the Ruy Lopez, click the "Ruy Lopez - Main Page" link at the top...

Today we will discuss the answering statistics on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. Learn these statistics in order to know which lines of the Ruy Lopez are the most common today. The Ruy Lopez starts with the following moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Then, Black can answer:

3... a6, or 3... Nf6, or 3... d6, or 3... Bc5, or 3... f5, or 3... Nge7, or 3... Nd4, or 3... g6, or 3... f6, or 3... Be7, or 3... Na5, , or 3... g5, or 3... Qe7. But do you know how often Black answers, to say, 3... a6, 3... Nf6, 3... g6, or 3... Nge7? The Ruy Lopez answers popular in 1900 may be not popular today...

Video 2 "Ruy Lopez: The Answering Statistics" is below, and it will show you which 3 Black answering moves to the Ruy Lopez are being played today in 90% of the games. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez on the topic, just click the Play button below:

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Ruy Lopez

2010-06-03T21:46:00.033+01:00

[*See: Chess Openings for Beginners - All Lessons]
[**See Outside: Chess eBooks and Online Puzzles with Solution Hints]

This lesson will help you get initial knowledge on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. Within this chess openings blog, this page is the Main Page for the Ruy Lopez. Below and at the bottom of this page, you can find all the links to access the Ruy Lopez posts, videos, .pgn and .pdf files.

I. Ruy Lopez: Data and Description

Opening Name: Ruy Lopez
Synonym 1: Spanish Opening
Synonym 2: Spanish Game

Opening Type: Open Game [1.e4 e5 ...]
Moves Order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
ECO Codes: C60-C99

Today, the Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular openings in chess. The Ruy Lopez is also the most popular Open Game. It is beautiful and promising for White and Black. The Ruy Lopez has 184 variations. Some of them are very popular, many not. All the variations are divided into 2 big Groups.

The Group 1 Variations are mostly new systems which start with 3... a6. Group 1 includes 131 variations. The Group 2 Variations are mostly older systems which start with 3... other than a6 [Nf6, d6, Bc5, f5, Nge7, Nd4, g6, f6, Be7, Na5, g5, and Qe7]. Group 2 includes 53 variations.

The opening is named after Spanish priest Ruy Lopez de Segura. He made a study of the opening in 1561. The Ruy Lopez was developed by Wilhelm Steinitz, Carl Jaenisch, Mikhail Chigorin, Siegbert Tarrasch, Frank Marshall, Paul Keres, Vasily Smyslov, Isaac Boleslavsky, Alexander Alekhine, Max Euwe, Igor Zaitsev (a trainer of Karpov), Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov...

II. Ruy Lopez: 7 Videos

This is Video 1 on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The video name is "Ruy Lopez: Starting Out." The English term "to start out" stands for "to begin a journey." Let's begin our journey on learning the beautiful Ruy Lopez. To start Video 1, just click the Play button below:

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Find Video 2 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 2: Ruy Lopez - The Answering Statistics

Find Video 3 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 3: Ruy Lopez - Main Variations

Find Video 4 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 4: Ruy Lopez - Exchange Variation

Find Video 5 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 5: Ruy Lopez - Morphy Defense Variation

Find Video 6 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 6: Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense Variation

Find Video 7 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 7: Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense Variation

Note. You can also download free pdf ebook here:
Free pdf eBook: Ruy Lopez - All Variations