French Defense Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2

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This page is designed for chess beginners, and it will give you initial knowledge on the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense chess opening. The Tarrasch variation 3.Nd2 of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2) is popular today, and it is the 2nd most common variation of the French, after its main line 3.Nc3.

Tarrasch Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Tarrasch variation of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2
ECO Codes: C03-C09



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 in this variation at a later stage are: e5, c3, Bd3, Nd2-Nb3, Ne2-Nf3. The typical Black moves in this variation are: c5, Nf6, Bd6 or Be7, later Nc6. Usually, White and Black castle kingside.

Black tries to undermine the White pawn structure... The Tarrasch variation has 4 main lines according to the following 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...

French Defense, Tarrasch Variation: Video

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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Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defense. The variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2; it includes ECO codes C03-C09 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation

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This page is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Main Line 3.Nc3 (or Paulsen variation) of the French Defense. This line starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. Unofficially, the line is called the main line 3.Nc3 of the French... But officially, its name is the Paulsen variation of the French Defense.

French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Paulsen Variation of the French Defense
Unofficial Name: Main Line of the French Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3



The line 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 is called the Main Line because 40 percent of the French games start like that. The main line or Paulsen variation is very popular at the chess master level and at the top level of chess today. And the following is more information on this variation. You are also recommended to see the video below.

The main line of the French Defense or Paulsen variation gives decent opening possibilities both for White and Black. Maybe this is one of the main reasons of great popularity of this way of playing the French Defense. 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.

French Defense, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation: Video

To see in a visible way the main line or Paulsen variation of the French Defense and (its 3 continuations) the Winawer, Classical, and Rubinstein variations, you are recommended to see the video below. This video will show the most common proven lines of playing the French Defense on the topic covered:




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Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Main Line of the French Defense chess opening (or Paulsen Variation). The variation starts with the following moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Advance Variation

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This information is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the French Defense. The Advance variation is one of the most playable variation of the French Defense. Find below official data, read description about this variation, and see chess video on the Advance.

Advance Variation: Official Data

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...

French Defense, Advance Variation: Video

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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Here, on this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Advance Variation of the French Defense. The variation is popular enough, starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5; and it is ECO code C02 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you for your interest in learning chess openings!

French Defense Exchange Variation

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This page is designed for chess beginners to get initial knowledge on the Exchange variation of the French Defense. The exchange variation is one of the most playable variation within this chess opening. Please find the official data, general description and a chess video about this variation below.

Exchange Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Exchange variation of the French Defense
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.

French Defense, Exchange Variation: Video

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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On this lesson for chess beginners, you have received the initial information about the Exchange Variation of the French Defense. The variation starts with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5; it is ECO code C01 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. By clicking the link above, you can return to the main page of the French Defense chess opening.

French Defense | Lesson 41

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This is the main page to learn the French Defense on this website, and this lesson is designed for chess beginners. Here you can find official data, explanations, general description of the French Defense chess opening in Part I (below) and see the "French Defense General Information" video in Part II (at the middle).

Here you can also find more links to this chess opening in Part III (at the bottom of this page) to understand how to play its main variations: Exchange Variation, Advance Variation, Main Line 3.Nc3 or Paulsen Variation, and Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2. French Defense is an Semi-Open Game opening -- it begins with 1.e4   other than e5.

I. French Defense: Data and Description

Chess Opening: French Defense (1.e4 e6)
Type: Semi-Open Game (1.e4 other than e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e6
ECO Codes: C00-C19



After the Sicilian Defense, the French Defense is the 2nd most popular semi-open game chess opening. 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 the video on French Defense General Information, click the Play button below:




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III. French Defense: Find 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]

See all opening lessons on this website:

• Links to All Chess Opening Lessons

Here, on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the French Defense chess opening... This is the Main page on this chess opening website and Lesson 41 for beginners and intermediate players for the French Defense. The French Defense is a popular semi-open game, starts with 1.e4 e6, and occupies ECO Codes C00-C19 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. Thank you!

Caro-Kann Defense Classical Variation

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This lesson will give you initial knowledge about the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Classical variation is the 4th most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. To learn how to correctly play it, please find below the official data, textual description and a chess video on the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann.

Caro-Kann Defense, Classical Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
Variation Moves: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5
ECO Code: B18



The variation is the classics of the Caro-Kann Defense 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 playing 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.

Caro-Kann Defense, Classical Variation: Video

See the video below to get an idea of what is the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts and runs for 3 minutes 54 seconds. 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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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Classical variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5; it is ECO code B18 in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. The variation is considered the "most correct" Caro-Kann.

Caro-Kann Defense Advance Variation

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This lesson will give you initial knowledge on the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The Advance variation is the 3rd most popular variation of the Caro-Kann. Please find below on this page the official data, textual description and a chess video on the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense to learn.

Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation: Official Data

Variation Name: Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
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...

Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation: Video

See the video below to get an idea of what is the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann. The video consists of 3 parts and runs for 3 minutes 42 seconds. 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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To return to the main page of the Caro-Kann Defense, click the following link:

• To the Main Page of Caro-Kann Defense

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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com you have studied the Advance variation of the Caro-Kann Defense chess opening. The variation starts with 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5; in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings it occupies ECO code B12. The variation has 2 playing lines.

Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation

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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



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:




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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

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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



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:




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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:

• 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

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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



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:




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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:

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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

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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

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:




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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

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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

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:




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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

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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



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:




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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.

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• 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

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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

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:

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Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Variation

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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.



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:




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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

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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



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:




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

Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation

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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



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:




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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

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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

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:




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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

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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

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:




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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

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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:

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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



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:




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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

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• 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

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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

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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:



• 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:




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Four Knights Game How to Play Scotch Variations

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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):



• 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.