Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense]

This lesson is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you 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 official data, description and video below. A short PGN file on this variation of the Caro-Kann may follow.

Caro-Kann Defense, Exchange Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5
ECO codes: B13-B14
Parent Opening: Caro-Kann Defense

Exchange variation of 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.

Caro-Kann Defense, Exchange Variation: Video


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:




• 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.

To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Exchange variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening, which has almost the same popularity as the 3.Nc3. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5; it occupies ECO code B13-B14 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings.

Caro-Kann Defense 3.Nc3 Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense]

This information is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you 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. Please read official data, text, and see video below. A short pgn file on the variation will follow.

3.Nc3 Variation: Official Data


Variation Name: 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3
ECO Codes: B15-B19

3.Nc3 variation of Caro Kann Defense

The Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense is ECO codes B15-B19. Officially, this 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 one; the second popular line 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).

Caro-Kann Defense, 3.Nc3 Variation: Video


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 (3 min. 26 seconds) will show you its 1 proven line. The video will also show how to estimate your success in playing any chess opening:




• 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.

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:

Download the Caro-Kann, 3.Nc3 Variation PGN File (19 KB)

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see chess games inside, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense

On this page, you have learned the 3.Nc3 variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening which is also called the Modern variation of the Caro-Kann...

Caro-Kann Defense | Lesson 40


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: Links to Latest Chess Opening Information]

This page is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. Here on this page you can find official data and description of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening, see chess video "Caro-Kann: General Information", and find more links to this opening at the bottom.

I. Caro-Kann Defense: Data and Description


Chess Opening Name: Caro-Kann Defense
Type: Semi-Open Game (Semi-Open Games begin with 1.e4   other than e5)
Moves Order: 1.e4 c6
ECO Codes: B10–B19

Caro Kann Defense chess opening

The Caro-Kann Defense is a Semi-Open Game chess opening -- it begins with 1.e4   other than e5. It has reputation of solid and strong defense for Black with creating a good pawn structure for endgame. It is named after the English player Horatio Caro and the Austrian's Marcus Kann. They both analyzed this chess opening in 1886.

The Caro-Kann is a popular opening, 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 Defense: General Information Video


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:




• 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.

III. Caro-Kann Defense: Find More Links


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

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]

See all lessons on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com:

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

Note. You can use this page as the main page for learning the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening on this website... Thank you!

Semi-Open Games General Information | Lesson 39


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: Links to Latest Chess Opening Information]

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

Tip: Semi-Open Game chess openings start up with the following moves: 1.e4 ... other than e5.


Get Latest Information and New Links on This Site

Semi-Open Games: Information


A Semi-Open Game chess opening

Notes: The Semi-Open Game chess openings begin with 1. e4   other than e5. For examples: 1.e4 c6 (Caro-Kann Defense); 1.e4 c5 (Sicilian Defense); 1.e4 e6 (French Defense ); 1.e4 d5 (Scandinavian Defense); 1.e4 Nf6 (Alekhine's Defense)...

The Semi-Open Games are the chess openings which start with 1.e4   other than e5 -- for example 1.e4 c6 (see above); 1.e4 e6; 1.e4 c5. Note. 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 his 1st move while Black not.

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

• 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.

Semi-Open Game Chess Openings: Video


The next video will show you more information -- very interesting -- on the Semi-Open Game chess openings in a visible way. The video runs for 2 minutes 56 seconds. It will show you how to recognize a semi-open game, 6 main semi-open game openings by the initial moves, and you will see their characteristics:




• 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.

See all opening lessons on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com:

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

On this page, you have got a general information about semi-open game chess openings which start with 1.e4 other than e5. On the next lessons, we will study the Semi-Open Game chess openings one by one: 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; Nimzovich Defense, Pirc Defense, etc..

Ruy Lopez 2 Common Traps


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

This chess opening lesson presents a video about Ruy Lopez traps. The title of the video is "Ruy Lopez 2 Common Traps", and it is designed for chess beginners. Find the video at the bottom of this page, and the following is a short description of the video in question (see below how the Ruy Lopez chess opening begins).

Ruy Lopez: Picture


Ruy Lopez chess opening

The Ruy Lopez chess opening begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. When you are playing a chess game which started as Ruy Lopez, please be aware about and watch the following 2 common traps in the Ruy Lopez. You can learn these 2 common traps of the Ruy Lopez in the following video.

Ruy Lopez: Video 2 Common Traps


There are a few dozens of the Ruy Lopez traps and many of them are deep in play. The below 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 -- Black will be better.

The second trap is called the Mortimer Trap in which Black intentionally moves back waiting for the mistake -- Black may win the White knight. Both traps may be used for trapping the White opponent and do not lead to the checkmate. The video runs for 2 min 38 sec and consists of 3 parts. To see it, click the Play button below:




• 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.

See different chess videos on Chess Video Blog.

To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have seen the video about 2 Ruy Lopez chess opening traps. You saw the traps, and now you know how to avoid them. If you want to return to the Main page of the Ruy Lopez on this website, click the link above... Thank you!

Ruy Lopez Schliemann Defense Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Schliemann Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes, also known as Jaenisch Gambit. To learn the Schliemann Defense of the Ruy Lopez (Jaenisch Gambit), you can read its data in Part I, see a Ruy Lopez Video in Part II, and download the Schliemann Defense PGN file in Part III.

I. Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense: Data


Name: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense Variation
Other Name: Jaenisch Gambit
ECO Code: C63
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5

Schliemann Defense variation of Ruy Lopez

Popularity: 5-7% of the Ruy Lopez games.
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.

II. Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense: Video


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:




• 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.

III. 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:

Important. Unfortunately, this file on the Schliemann Defense was lost. The new file may be compiled and placed here but later on. We bag your pardon and sorry for that.

To return to the main page, click the following link:

To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Schliemann Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5; it occupies ECO code C63 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, and also known under another name as Jaenisch Gambit...

Free Chess PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: Latest Chess Opening Information]

[•: To the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez | Lesson 38]

At the bottom of this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you can download free chess PDF ebook on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The title of the above PDF ebook is "Ruy Lopez All Variations." It is designed for chess beginners and not only to learn the Ruy Lopez chess opening. Before downloading, welcome to read more about this PDF ebook below.

I. See a Picture: The Ruy Lopez


Ruy Lopez all variations

The Ruy Lopez chess opening starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 (see figure above). Then a Ruy Lopez game may runs via many variations of this chess opening as shown in the PDF ebook which you can easily download below from Google Drive. Many variations? But many many of them are unknown and many of them are not played at all...

The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" will provide you with a list of all official variations of the Ruy Lopez including their names, ECO codes, and designated moves. There are 182 variations of the Ruy Lopez chess opening: 131 variations starting with the 3rd move of Black 3... a6 and 51 variations without 3... a6 (see above).

The chess PDF ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" will also provide you with 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 the list of 6 most common variations of the Ruy Lopez? Do you know their names and how often are they played in real games?

6 most common variations are 94% of all Ruy Lopez games. In calculating these statistics, there was used a 3-million database of chessmaster games. Also, the PDF ebook will give you a short essential description on the Ruy Lopez. There are 20 pages to read, and 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 (one of them - chesselo.com - was abandoned in 2018). The chess ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations" is free and not copyrighted. It is a PDF ebook (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar program to read it). Now you are ready to directly go to Chapter II and download the requested PDF ebook...

II. Download PDF eBook: Ruy Lopez All Variations


You can download the chess PDF ebook from Google Drive. To download the chess PDF ebook on the Ruy Lopez variations, click the link below:

Download Chess PDF eBook "Ruy Lopez All Variations", 121 KB

Note 1. You can download the above file from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To open and read PDF ebooks on your computer, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader or any similar program for reading PDF files.

To improve your skill to win chess endgame, click the link below:

• Ads: Free Demo PDF eBook 350 Chess Endgame Puzzles to Master Endgame

For site navigation, use the following links:

Chess Openings - See All Lessons on This Website

To the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez | Lesson 38

^ Return to top

Thank you for visiting chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com! This website is designed for beginners and intermediate players to learn chess openings by text, video, PDF ebooks and PGN files. There are 44 chess opening lessons on-site: This site is unknown on the web, but you may find it only on Google using the full set of the following keywords: chess openings beginners blogspot...

Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopes chess opening, and it is designed for beginners. To learn the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, please read its description in Part I (just below) and see video about the Berlin Defense in Part II on this page below.

I. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense: Description


The Berlin Defense variation moves of the Ruy Lopez are the following:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6.

Berlin Defense variation of Ruy Lopez

By statistics, the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense variation is 10-15% of all Ruy Lopez games. Under correct play, this variation is considered as solid variation for Black with a big chance to draw a game.

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 the below video.

II. Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense: Video


This video runs for 2 minutes 36 seconds and consists of 3 parts. Part 1 is Introduction to the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, Part 2 will show you how to play its 2 proven lines (best proven moves for White and Black), and Part 3 will show you possibilities at beginning. To see the video, click the Play button below:




• 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.

Welcome to visit some links of our partners:

Video: Windmill or See-Saw Chess Combination

Chess Video Blog on Different Topics - Sitemap

To return to the main page of the Ruy Lopez, click the following link:

To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6, and it covers 10-15% of all Ruy Lopez games...

Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, its Morphy Defense variation, and it is designed for chess beginners. To learn the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, please read its description in Part I just below and see video on this variation in Part II at the bottom of this page.

I. Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense: Description


The following is the designated moves of the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening (see below the moves and the picture):
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6

Morphy Defense variation of Ruy Lopez

By statistics, 70 % of the Ruy Lopez games start as the Morphy Defense variation. This variation is considered to be one of the best for Black in the Ruy Lopez chess opening. After 4... Nf6, White is to answer by making any of the following 6 moves: • 5.0-0; • 5.d3; • 5.Qe2; • 5.d4; • 5.Nc3; • 5.Bxc6. At a later stage, the typical moves of the Morphy Defense variation for White are: Bb3 (retreating from a4), Nbd2, d3.

For Black, those moves are the following: b5, Be7, Na5, d6. White and Black usually conduct the short castling between the 5th - 11th moves from beginning a Ruy Lopez chess game... It is better for you to understand it in a visible way by seeing the video on the Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation below.

II. Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense: Video


Below is video "Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense Variation" which runs for 3 minutes 36 seconds. The video consists of the following 2 parts. Part 1 is Introduction, and Part 2 will show how to play 6 proven lines of the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez. To see the video, click the Play button below:




• 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.

To return to the main page of the Ruy Lopez, click the following link:

To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

On this page, you have learned the Morphy Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening ...

Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

This is to give you initial but essential knowledge on the Ruy Lopes chess opening, on its Exchange Variation, and this information is designed for chess beginners. To learn the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez on this site, read the description in Part I just below and see Video in Part II at the bottom of this page.

I. Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation: Description


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

Exchange variation of Ruy Lopez

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.

II. Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation: Video


Video "Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation" (this is video 4 on the Ruy Lopez on this site) is located below. This video will help you learn the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez in a visible way. It runs for 4 minutes 40 seconds. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez Exchange variation, click the Play button below:




• 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.

To return to the main page of the Ruy Lopez, click the following link:

Return to the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez

On this page, you have studied the Exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez chess opening which is popular today at all levels of chess... The variation starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6; it occupies ECO codes C68-C69 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings.

Ruy Lopez 14 Main Variations


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Ruy Lopez All Variations Free PDF eBook]

Today on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com we will discuss the main variations of the Ruy Lopez chess opening. This page about the Ruy Lopez main variations includes the text and special Video on the above topic (this is video 3 on the Ruy Lopez on this site). You can read the description below and find the video at the bottom of this page.

The Ruy Lopez opening has 184 variations, and today we will study the names and designated moves of 14 main variations of the Ruy Lopez. First you are recommended to find the figure below depicting the initial Ruy Lopez position after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Use the next Ruy Lopez figure to learn 14 main variations (the variation moves are written in bold)...

I. Ruy Lopez: 14 Main Variations List


Ruy Lopez main variation list

The list of 14 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 full name of the Open is the Open (Tarrasch) Defence variation.

• 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 above variations are shown in the order of play popularity.

II. Ruy Lopez: 14 Main Variations Video


The special Video "Ruy Lopez Main Variations" is located below (this is video 3 on the Ruy Lopez chess opening on this website). The video will help you learn 14 main variations of the Ruy Lopez in a simple and visible way (and the video runs for 2:58). To see the video on the Ruy Lopez main variations, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

Use the next links to download PDF ebook (Ruy Lopez all variations) or return to the main page:

Ruy Lopez All Variations Get Free PDF eBook

To the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez | Lesson 38

On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com, we have learned information about the main variations of the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez opening variation list includes 14 main variations: the Morphy Defense, Closed, Exchange, Open, Marshall Counter-Attack, Anti-Marshall 8.a4, Berlin Defense; Berlin Defense, 4.O-O; Old Steinitz Defence, Classical (Cordel) Defense, Schliemann Defense, Cozio Defense, Bird's Defence, Fianchetto [Smyslov/Barnes] Defense.

Ruy Lopez The Answering Statistics


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez]

[• Get: Free PDF eBook Ruy Lopez All Variations]

Designed for chess beginners, this lesson on the Ruy Lopez chess opening includes Video under the name "Ruy Lopez Answering Statistics". Find Video below on this page. To see all material on the Ruy Lopez, click the link "Return to the Main Page of the Ruy Lopez" at the top or bottom of this page...

Today we will discuss the answering statistics on the Ruy Lopez chess opening. You should learn these statistics in order to know which lines of the Ruy Lopez are the most common today. The Ruy Lopez chess opening starts with the following moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 (see them in the picture below).

I. Ruy Lopez: Answering Moves


Ruy Lopez

The Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5.
Then, Black may answer by the following 3rd move:

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 which were popular in 1900 may be not popular today...

Ruy Lopez: Answering Statistics Video


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. The video runs for 2 min 01 sec. To see the video on the Ruy Lopez on the topic, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

To return to the main page, click the following link:

To the Main Page of Ruy Lopez

To see all chess opening lessons on this website, click the link below:

All Lessons on Chess-Openings-for-Beginners

On this page, we discussed the answering statistics of the Ruy Lopez chess opening... To sum up what you have seen in the above video: In 90% of the games, Black answers to the Ruy Lopez with 3... a6, 3... Nf6, or 3... d6 with the following distribution: a6 ~ 65%, Nf6 ~ 20%, and d6 ~ 5%.

Ruy Lopez | Lesson 38


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[• See Outside: Different Videos on Chess Video Blog]

This lesson on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com will help you learn the Ruy Lopez opening and explain you how to play a major opening correctly. This is the Main Page for the Ruy Lopez opening on this chess opening website. Find below the needed information on the Ruy Lopez to see all the links to the Ruy Lopez videos, PGN and PDF files. The following is 2 sample links on the Ruy Lopez:

Ruy Lopez All Variations Get Free PDF eBook

The Answering Statistics to the Ruy Lopez Opening

Latest Information and New Links on This Website

I. Ruy Lopez: Data and Description


Chess Opening Name: Ruy Lopez
Synonyms: Spanish Opening, Spanish Game
Type: Open Game [begins with 1.e4 e5]
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
ECO Codes: C60-C99

Ruy Lopez

Today, the Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular openings in chess. The Ruy Lopez is also the most popular Open Game chess opening. 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 can be 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 of the Ruy Lopez.

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 Anatoly Karpov), Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov... Below you will find 7 videos on the Ruy Lopez (About, Answering Statistics, Main Variations, Exchange Variation, Morphy Defense Variation, Berlin Defense Variation, Schliemann Defense Variation) and a link to download PDF ebook "Ruy Lopez All Variations".

II. Ruy Lopez: 7 Videos to Play


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 chess opening. To start Video 1 (it runs for 2:38), click the Play button below:




• 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.

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

Download free chess PDF ebook on the Ruy Lopez on this page:
Free pdf eBook - Ruy Lopez All Variations

See all opening lessons on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com:
Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

This is the Main Page for the Ruy Lopez on this chess opening website. On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com, you can find information on the Ruy Lopez opening and see the links to access the required information. Because the Ruy Lopez belongs to the main chess openings, more links will be added soon to explain in details how to play the main variations with moves in pictures...

Four Knights Game How to Play the Belgrade Gambit


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Four Knights Game]

This chess opening lesson will help you learn the Belgrade Gambit variation of the Four Knights Game. On this page, you can read information about the Belgrade Gambit variation and see Video 4 on the Four Knights Game which will show you how to correctly play the Belgrade Gambit variation of this chess opening in a visible way.

I. Four Knights Game, Belgrade Gambit: Data


Before you see the video below, please read the following information... The Four Knights Game starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6. Then, this chess opening may turn into its Belgrade Gambit variation with the following designated moves 4.d4 exd4 5.Nd5 (see in the picture below). Usually, Black here is to answer by one of the following 4 moves:

Four Knight Game Belgrade Gambit variation

• 5... Be7;     • 5... Nxd5;
• 5... Nb4;     • 5... Nxe4.
The Gambit can be declined by 5... Bc5.

The Belgrade Gambit was developed for the Four Knights Game chess opening. The Gambit was very popular in the 1970s, but today this variation is not so popular at the chess master level as it was before. White sacrifices the pawn and move the knight on... The line 5... Nxe4 is risky, but using exactly this line Black may be better...

II. Four Knights Game, Belgrade Gambit: Video


Video 4 is below (it runs for 3:11), and it will show you how to play 4 lines of the Belgrade Gambit variation of the Four Knights Game. In the video, you can find some useful opening ideas. To see the video Four Knights Game: How to Play the Belgrade Gambit, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

^ Back to Top

This chess opening website is designed mainly for beginners and for intermediate chess players to learn chess openings one by one. You will be able to learn chess openings on-site using the provided text, video, big pictures, small images, PDF ebooks and PGN files. The domain name of this website is chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com. You may find this website on Google using the following keywords (typing all of them): chess openings beginners blogspot.

Four Knights Game How to Play Scotch Variations


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Four Knights Game]

This lesson will help you learn the Scotch Variations of the Four Knights Game. On this page, you can read information about the Scotch variations and see Video 3 on the Four Knights Game which will show you how to correctly play 2 proven lines of the Scotch variations of this opening.

I. Four Knights Game, Scotch Variations: Data


Before you see the video, please read the following. The Four Knights Game starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6. After the line 4.Bb5 Bb4, the Scotch variations of the Four Knights Game (they run via 4.d4) is the 2nd most common. There are 3 Scotch variations of the Four Knights Game (read and see below):

Four Knight Game Scotch variation

• Scotch variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4
• Scotch, variation 4... exd4: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4
• Scotch, Krause variation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 Bb4 5.Nxe5

Within the Krause variation, there is a sharp line which is not shown in the video. You can learn this line using the following chess notation: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 Bb4 5.Nxe5 Nxe4 6.Qg4 Nxc3 7.Qxg7 Rf8 8.a3 Nd4 9.axb4 Nxc2+ 10. Kd2 Nxa1 = The position is equal.

II. Four Knights Game, Scotch Variations: Video


Video 3 is below (it runs for 2:47), and it will show you how to correctly play 2 variations of the Four Knights Defense: Scotch, variation 4... exd4 and Scotch, Krause variation. To see the video Four Knights Game: How to Play Scotch Variations, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

Four Knights Game How to Play 4.Bb5 Bb4


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Four Knights Game]

This lesson will help you learn the 4.Bb5 Bb4 Variation of the Four Knights Game. On this page, you can read information about the 4.Bb5 Bb4 Variation and see Video 2 on the Four Knights Game which will show you 2 proven lines within the 4.Bb5 Bb4 Variation of the Four Knights Game in a visible way.

I. Four Knights Game, 4.Bb5 Bb4 Variation: Data


Before you see the video, please read this information. The Four Knights Game starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6. The move-answer 4.Bb5 of White is the most common (by statistics it is 35%). In its turn, the line 4.Bb5 Bb4 is the most common play within the Four Knights Game chess opening.

Four Knight Game 4.Bb5 Bb4 variation

Video 2 will display Line 1 and Line 2. The both Lines are "almost symmetrical development", easy to learn, and were invented long time ago. Within the Lines, it is very important for Black to take the White knight on c3. Today, the both Lines are replicated for 80-90% and are popular.

II. Four Knights Game, 4.Bb5 Bb4 Variation: Video


It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. Video 2 is below (it runs for 2:05), and it will show you how to correctly play 2 proven lines within 4.Bb5 Bb4 of the Four Knights Defense. To see the video Four Knights Game: How to Play 4.Bb5 Bb4, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

Four Knights Game | Lesson 37


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[• Outside: Different Videos on Chess Video Blog]

This lesson will help you get knowledge on and study the Four Knights Game chess opening. The lesson includes the text description of the Four Knights Game, 4 chess videos on this opening (the links below), and PGN File "The Four Knights Chess Opening" (the link to download is at the bottom of this page).

Video 1 will show you a general picture on the the Four Knights Game. Videos 2, 3, and 4 show how to play the opening. PGN File "The Four Knights Chess Opening" includes 32 chess games played by FIDE masters rated 2250 and higher - to see the tendencies on playing the Four Knights Game.

Latest Information and New Links on This Website

I. Four Knights Game: Data and Description


Chess Opening Name: Four Knights Game
Type: Open Game (Open Games begin with 1.e4 e5)
Moves Order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6
ECO Codes: C47-C49

Four Knights Game chess opening

The Four Knights Game is an Open Game. The opening was very popular until 1940. Today, it is relatively popular at all levels. It is a quite positional play, with some sharp variations. The opening is popular among the beginners who stick to the rule "develop the knight before the bishop."

By statistics, White answers the Four Knights Game by the following moves: [4.Bb5 ~ 35%], [4.d4 ~ 30%], [4.Other ~ 35%: Bc4, g3, a3, or Be2]. Roughly, the Four Knights Game opening has 9 playing lines (of them: 4 most common lines and 5 less common), which you can see in Video 1 below.

II. Four Knights Game: 4 Videos to Play


Video 1 will show you a general picture on the Four Knights Game, the answering statistics, 4 most common lines, 5 less common, and 5 variations. To start Video 1: Four Knights Game - General Information and see the opening in a visible way, click the Play button below:




• 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.

Find Video 2 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 2: Four Knights Game - How to Play 4.Bb5 Bb4

Find Video 3 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 3: Four Knights Game - How to Play Scotch Variations

Find Video 4 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 4: Four Knights Game - How to Play Belgrade Gambit

III. Four Knights Game: PGN File


Just below, find the link to download the PGN File "The Four Knights Game Chess Opening." The file will help you learn more... You will see the general description of the Four Knights Game chess opening and 32 chess games played in the year 2010 by FIDE masters rated 2250 and above.

Within the file, you will see the players' ratings without their names. The openings positions were estimated by a computer program. To read the PGN File, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

To download the Four Knights Game PGN File, click the following link:

Download Four Knights Game Chess Opening PGN File, 23 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see chess games inside, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

Thank you very much for visiting chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com, learning chess openings, and enjoying chess!

Two Knights Defense How to Play 4.d4 ed


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense]

This will help you learn the line 4.d4 ed of the Two Knights Defense chess opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6). Read the data and see the video about the line 4.d4 ed below. The video will show you 2 proven traditional lines how to correctly play the line 4.d4 ed of the Two Knights Defense.

I. Two Knights Defense, Line 4.d4 ed: Data


Two Knights Defense

The Two Knights Defense starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6. By statistics, the 4.d4 White answer is the third most common answer to the Two Knights Defense, after 4.d3 and 4.Ng5. If White plays 4.d4, the chess game usually continues along the following 3 lines (2 of them are shown in the video below):

Line 1, 4.d4 ed 5.ed d5 (played often - shown in the video).
Line 2, 4.d4 ed 5.0-0 Nxe4 (second common - shown in the video too).
• Line 3, 4.d4 ed 5.0-0 Bc5 (played rarely - not shown in the video).
• Line 4, 4.d4 ed 5.Ng5 d5 (played rarely - not shown in the video).

II. Two Knights Defense, Line 4.d4 ed: Video


The below video will show you Line 1 and Line 2 within 4.d4 ed of the Two Knights Defense chess opening. The video runs for 2:15. The opening final positions in the video were estimated as those being equal. To see the video Two Knights Defense: How to Play 4.d4 ed, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense

To see how chess masters play the Two Knights Defense and to learn more on the topic, you are recommended to return to the Two Knights Defense - Main Page and download a PGN file on this opening. It contains 32 chess games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2250 and above.

Two Knights Defense How to Play a Trickiest 4.Ng5 d5


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense]

This will help you learn the line 4.Ng5 d5 of the Two Knights Defense chess opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6). Read the explanation and see this chess video below. It will show you in a visible way why the Two Knights Defense is sometimes called "a trickiest opening around..." -- it is because of a possibility to play 4.Nd5 d5.

I. Two Knights Defense, Line 4.Ng5 d5: Data


Two Knights Defense

The Two Knights Defense starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6. The continuation 4.Nd5 d5 is the second most common (after 4.d3 Be7), and it is the most trickiest and responsible one within the Two Knights Defense. After 4.Nd5 d5, there are three lines to continue with:

• Line 1: 5.ed Na5 (which is being popular and the most simple to learn).
• Line 2: 5.ed Nxd5 (which is not so popular and not so simple to learn).
• Line 3: 5.ed Nd4 (which is being played rarely and is very complicated).

II. Two Knights Defense, Line 4.Ng5 d5: Video


The below chess video will show you Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3 within 4.Ng5 d5 of the Two Knights Defense (see above). Line 3 has additional 2 sublines. The opening final positions are estimated - who is better... To see the video Two Knights Defense: How to Play a Trickiest 4.Ng5 d5, click the Play button below:




• 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.

To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense

To see how chess masters play the Two Knights Defense and to learn more on the topic, you are recommended to return to the Main Page of the Two Knights Defense and download a PGN file on this opening. It contains 32 chess games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2250 and above.

Two Knights Defense How to Play Variation 4.d3


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense]

This lesson will help you learn the variation 4.d3 of the Two Knights Defense chess opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6). To learn, please read the onpage information and see this chess video on this page below. The video will show you 2 traditional lines of playing the common Variation 4.d3 of the Two Knights Defense.

I. Two Knights Defense, Variation 4.d3: Data


Two Knights Defense

To recall this opening, the Two Knights Defense runs 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6. Then, the White's move 4.d3 initiates the Variation 4.d3. Within this variation, the following 2 lines are the most common: Line 1 goes 4.d3 Be7 and Line 2 runs 4.d3 h6.

Remember that approximately 40% of the chess games on the Two Knights Defense runs via 4.d3. The video below will show you the details how to correctly play the variation 4.d3 of the Two Knights Defense chess opening.

II. Two Knights Defense, Variation 4.d3: Video


This chess video will also give you some very helpful hints on correctly playing an opening in general. Namely: rule 1 and rule 2 (general rules of correctly playing chess openings), chess game positions when the rules may be broken, and more. To see this chess video, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

To the Main Page of Two Knights Defense

To see how chess masters play the Two Knights Defense and to learn more on the topic, you are recommended to return to the Two Knights Defense - Main Page and download a PGN file on this opening. It contains 32 chess games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2250 and above.

Two Knights Defense | Lesson 36


navigation icon For navigation

[: Links to All Chess Opening Lessons]

[• Outside: Chess Video Blog - Different Chess Videos]

This chess lesson will help you get initial knowledge on the Two Knights Defense. The lesson includes the text description, 4 videos, and a PGN file. The PGN file can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. Find Video 1 on this page; Videos 2, 3, and 4 by clicking the links below.

By structure, the lesson is divided into 3 main parts:
I. Two Knights Defense: Data and Description
II. Two Knights Defense: 4 Videos
III. Two Knights Defense: PGN File

Latest Information and New Links on This Website

I. Two Knights Defense: Data and Description


Chess Opening Name: Two Knights Defense
Type: Open Game (because it begins with 1.e4 e5)
Moves Order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6
ECO Codes: C55-C59

Two Knights Defense chess opening

The Two Knights Defense chess opening is an Open Game which is an alternative to the Giuoco Piano. The Two Knights Defense is one of the most exciting chess openings known, and a trickiest opening around. The Two Knights Defense opening is relatively popular.

By statistics, the most common White answers to the Two Knights Defense are the following 3 moves: [4.d3 ~ 40%], [4.Ng5 ~ 30%], [4.d4 ~ 15%]. The next 4 White moves cover the rest 15%: [4.Nc3], [4.0-0], [4.Qe2], [4.c3]. The common lines of the Two Knights Defense are the following 3:

• Common Line 1: ... 4.d3 Be7
• Common Line 2: ... 4.Ng5 d5
• Common Line 3: ... 4.d4 exd4

II. Two Knights Defense: 4 Videos to See


To learn a general picture of the Two Knights Defense, the designated moves, some variations, you are recommended to replay Video 1: Two Knights Defense - General Information. To start the video and see this opening in a visible way, just click the Play button below:




• 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.

Find Video 2 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 2: Two Knights Defense - How to Play Variation 4.d3

Find Video 3 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 3: Two Knights Defense - How to Play a Trickest 4.Ng5 d5

Find Video 4 on another page, by clicking this link:
Video 4: Two Knights Defense - How to Play 4.d4 ed

III. Two Knights Defense: PGN File


Just below, find the link to download the PGN File "The Two Knights Defense Chess Opening." The file will help you learn more... You will see the general description of the Two Knights Defense chess opening and 32 chess games played in 2010 by FIDE players rated 2250 and above.

Within the file, you will see the players' ratings without their names. The openings positions were estimated by a computer program. To read the PGN File, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

To download the Two Knights Defense PGN File, click the following link:

Download Two Knights Defense Chess Opening PGN File, 22 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see chess games inside, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

Thank you for your visiting this chess openings site for beginners!

Hungarian Defense How to Play


navigation icon For navigation

[: Chess Openings - See All Lessons]

[•: To the Main Page of Hungarian Defense]

On this page, you can learn how to play the Hungarian Defense chess opening. The below chess video on the Hungarian Defense will give you a general picture on its play. The video will show you 3 proven lines and the Tartakower variation of the Hungarian Defense - all run via the White move 4.d4 which is the most common.

I. Hungarian Defense: Picture


Hungarian Defense chess opening

To recall, the moves of the Hungarian Defense is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Be7. The first shown line runs 4.d4 d6 5.Nc3... The second 4.d4 d6 5.d5... And the last one 4.d4 exd4... The Tartakower variation of the Hungarian Defense is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Be7 4.d4 exd4 5.c3 Nf6 6.e5 Ne4.

II. Hungarian Defense: Video How to Play


See how to play the Hungarian Defense (2:15). This video will also give you some helpful hints on the opening play: moving a central pawn for the second time to attack and get more space, some retreating maneuvers of minor pieces to leave square for the pawn... To see the video, click the Play button below:




• 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.

To the Main Page of Hungarian Defense

To see how chess masters play the Hungarian Defense and to learn more on the topic, you are recommended to return to the Main Page of the Hungarian Defense and download a PGN file on this opening. It contains 32 chess games played in 2009-2007 by FIDE players rated 2250 and above.