CONTENTS

1. E 4 openings
1.1 Ruy Lopez
1.2 Italian
1.3 Scotch
1.4 Vienna
1.5 King's gambit
1.6 Four knight's
1.7 Ponziani
1.8 Danish gambit
1.9 Bishop’s opening
1.10 Center game
2. D 4 openings
2.1 Trompowsky Attack
2.2 Queen's Gambit
2.3 London System
2.4 Jobava-London System
2.5 Catalan System
2.6 Benko Gambit Decline
2.7 Anti-Grünfeld
2.8 Anti-Benoni
3. C 4 openings
3.1 Symmetrical English
3.2 Reversed Sicilian
3.3 Four Knights English
3.4 Botvinnik System
3.5 Karpov System
3.6 English vs KID Setup
3.7 English vs Grünfeld Setup
3.8 Double Fianchetto English
3.9 English Attack vs Slav
4. Black response E 4
4.1 Sicilian defense
4.2 French defense
4.3 Caro-kann defense
4.4 Pirc defense
4.5 Modern defense
4.6 Petrov defense
4.7 Alekhine defense
4.8 Scandinavian defense
4.9 Owen’s defense
5. Black response D 4
5.1 king’s Indian defense
5.2 Grunfeld defense
5.3 Nimzo-Indian defense
5.4 Queen’s gambit declined
5.5 Slav defense
5.6 Queen’s Indian defense
5.7 Tarrasch defense
5.8 Chigorin defense
5.9 Budapest gambit
5.10 Dutch defense
5.11 Old Indian defense
6. Black response C 4
6.1 Symmetrical English
6.2 Reversed Sicilian
6.3 Four knight English
6.4 Nimzo-English
6.5 English vs king’s Indian
6.6 English vs Grunfeld
6.7 English vs QGD/QID
6.8 English vs Slav
6.9 Double flanchetto english
6.10 Anglo-Indian
 CHAPTER:1
E 4 Openings
1.1 RUY LOPEZ
Basic concepts:

Type – 1
Variation; 1
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – d6
5. 0-0 – b5
6. Bb3 – Bg4
7. h3 – Bh5
8. N x e5 – B x Qd1
9. B x F7+ – Ke7
10. N x N+ – K x B
11. N x Q – R x N
12. R x B
Variation; 2
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – d6
5. 0-0 – b5
6. Bb3 – Nf6
7. c3 – Nf6 x e4
8. Bd5
Variation; 3
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – d6
5. 0-0 – b5
6. Bb3 – Nf6
7. Ng5 – d5
8. e4 x d5 – N x d5
9. N x f7 – K x Nf7
10. Qf3+ – Ke8
11. B x Nd5 – Nd4
12. Qf7 #
Type – 2
Variation; 1
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – d6
4. d4 – e5 x d4
5. N x d4 – Bd7
6. Nc3 – N x Nd4
7. Q x Nd4 – B x Nb5
8. N x Bb5 – Nf6
9. e5 – d6 x e5
10. Q x e5+ – Qe7
11. N x c7+ – Kd8
12. Q x Q+ – K x Q
13. N x R
 Type – 3
Variation; 1
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nd4
4. N x Nd4 – e5 x N
5. 0-0 – a6
6. Bc4 – Bc5
7. B x f7+ – K x Bf7
8. Qh5+ – g6
9. Q x Bc5
Variation; 2
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nd4
4. N x Nd4 – e5 x N
5. 0-0 – a6
6. Bc4 – b5
7. B x f7+ – K x Bf7
8. Qh5+ – g6
9. Qd5+ – Kg7
10. Q x Ra1
Variation; 3
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nd4
4. N x Nd4 – e5 x N
5. 0-0 – a6
6. Bc4 – b5
 7. B x f7+ – K x Bf7
8. Qh5+ – Ke7
9. Qe5+ – Kf7
10. Q x Ra1
Type – 4
Variation; 1
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. d4 – e5 x d4
6. 0-0 – b5
7. b3 – Bc5
8. e5 – Ne4
9. Qe2
Variation; 2
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. d4 – e5 x d4
6. 0-0 – b5
7. b3 – Bc5
8. e5 – Ng4
9. c3 – d4 x c3
10. Qd5 – Qe7
11. N x c3 – 0-0
12. Bg5 – Qe8
13. Q x B
Variation; 3
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. d4 – e5 x d4
6. 0-0 – d6
7. N x d4
Variation; 4
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. d4 – e5 x d4
6. 0-0 – Be7
7. e5 – Ne4
8. N x d4 – N x e5
9. Re1 – Nc5
10. R x N – N x Ba4
11. Nf5 – 0-0
12. N x Be7+ – Kh8
13. Qh5 – d6
 DEEP THEORY
CLOSED RUY LOPEZ
Basic strategy:
♟️ Closed Ruy Lopez – Main Line
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1– b5
7. Bb3 – d6
8. c3 – O-O
9. h3 – Nb8
10.d4 – Nbd7
11.c4 – c6
12.Nc3 – Qc7
13.Be3 – Bb7
14.Rc1 – Rfe8
15.a3 – Bf8
16.Ba2 – h6
17.Qd2 – Rad8
18.Nh2

From here, White may continue:

• Ng4, f4, Re2–Rf1, Bc2, Qe2

• Keep improving pieces, then launch the f4 break or e5
thrust at the right time
🧠 White’s Strategic Goals in the Closed Ruy Lopez

✅ 1. Central Dominance Without Immediate Breaks

• White controls the center with e4 + c3, preparing d4, but

doesn’t rush it.
• Wait for the right moment to strike with d4 or e5.

✅ 2. Classical Knight Maneuver (Nbd2 → f1 → g3/e3)

• This maneuver supports:

o Central pressure
o Kingside defense or attack
o Flexibility (can go to f5 in some lines too)

✅ 3. Bishop Pair Preservation

• White keeps the powerful light-squared bishop on b3

(sometimes rerouting to c2).
• It can pressure f7, especially after Qe2 + Bc2 + Re1.

✅ 4. Build a Kingside Initiative

• Typical play includes:

Re1, Qe2, c3, h3, Nf1–g3, f4
• Later, you may play g4, Re3–Rg3, or f5.
• But you must complete development and prepare
carefully — this is not a blitz-style attack.

✅ 5. Prevent Black’s Queenside Expansion

• White often plays a4 to stop ...a5–a4 or provoke weaknesses.

• Keeps pressure on Black’s queenside structure while
building up on the kingside.
 🔁 Chigorin Variation – Main Line

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1 – b5
7. Bb3 – d6
8. c3 – 0-0
9. h3 – Na5
10.Bc2 – c5
11.d4 – Qc7
12.Nbd2 – Nc6
13.d5 – Nd8
14.Nf1 – Ne8

This is a real slow-burn: both sides build behind the lines.

• White is preparing Nh4, f4, and maybe f5.

• Black is waiting, trying to counter in the center or queenside
with ...c4 or ...f5.

🎯 White’s Strategic Objectives in Chigorin

✅ 1. Keep the Bishop Pair

• The retreat 10. Bc2 avoids the trade after ...Na5–Nxb3.

• This bishop (later on Bf4 or Bg5) is a long-term asset.
✅ 2. Control and Expand in the Center

• d4 and e4 give you space, but you don’t rush pawn breaks.
• You’ll aim for e5 at the right moment, often after some piece
repositioning.

✅ 3. Maneuver Knights to Good Squares

• Classic Spanish plan:

Nf1 → g3 (or e3)
Sometimes Nd2 → f1 → e3
This supports both the center and kingside.

✅ 4. Kingside Play

After stabilizing the center:

• Play moves like g4, Nh2–f1–g3, f4.

• Your kingside rook often lifts: Re3–Rg3.
• You build a slow storm without rushing.

✅ 5. Queenside Restraint

• Move like a4 is common to stop Black’s expansion.

• You’re not really attacking there — just keeping balance.
 ♟️ Zaitsev Variation – Main Line

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1 – b5
7. Bb3 – d6
8. c3 – 0-0
9. h3 – Bb7
10.d4 –Re8
11.Nbd2 – Bf8
12.a4 – h6
13.Bc2 – exd4
14.cxd4 – Nb4
15.Bb1 – c5
16.d5 – Nd7
17.Ra3 –g6
18.Nh2 – Bg7
19. Rg3 – Nf6

🎯 White’s Main Strategic Goals in Zaitsev

✅ 1. Build Central Control & Flexibility

• White has a strong pawn center with e4 and d4.

• You’ll usually delay committing the center (no early dxe5
or e5) until you're fully mobilized.
✅ 2. The Famous “Spanish Maneuver”

You often reposition pieces to ideal squares before initiating action:

• Nbd2 → f1 → g3 (or e3)

• Bc2 to support e4 and potential kingside attack
• Re1, h3 to prevent ...Bg4
• Ra3–Rg3 (in some attacking lines)

This preparation is all about building up behind your central and

kingside structure.

✅ 3. Create Kingside Pressure

After your pieces are ready, you may launch:

• f4–f5 pawn breaks

• g4 expansions
• Swings with Ra3–Rg3 or Qd2–Qf4

This setup leads to kingside pressure without compromising your

center.

✅ 4. Maintain the Bishop Pair

• The light-squared bishop (Bb3/Bc2) is key to your pressure.

• You’ll often play a4 to stop ...Na5–Nxb3 or to open the a-
file.

✅ 5. Avoid Early Exchanges

• Zaitsev is all about tension.

• You don't rush to resolve the center unless it's in your favor.
 📜 Breyer Variation – Main Line

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3– Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1 – b5
7. Bb3 – vd6
8. c3 – 0-0
9. h3 – Nb8
10.d4 – Nbd7
11.c4 – c6
12.Nc3 – Qc7
13.Be3 – Bb7
14.Rc1 – b4
15.Nd5 – cxd5
16.cxd5 – Qb8
17.Nd2 – a5
18.Ba4 – Rc8

Here, White builds up:

• Pressure on the center and queenside

• Keeps tension
• Prepares f4 and g4 later with a solid base
🧠 White's Strategic Goals in the Breyer

✅ 1. Maintain the Central Tension

• White has strong central control with e4 + d4.

• The plan is to maintain tension, not release it too early with
dxe5 or e5 unless it leads to an edge.

✅ 2. Build Up Quietly Behind the Lines

The Breyer is about slow, patient buildup — similar to Chigorin, but

even more restrained.

• Common maneuver:
Nbd2 → f1 → g3 (or e3)
Bc2, Qe2, Re1, Kh1, g4, etc.
• This setup supports kingside play without weakening the
center.

✅ 3. Kingside Expansion When Ready

Once fully developed, White can initiate:

• f4, possibly f5 later

• g4 to kick a knight or gain space
• Rook lifts like Re3–Rg3

This usually comes after Black finishes ...Nd7–c5 or ...exd4.

✅ 4. Use the a-file and a4

White often plays a4 to prevent Black’s ...a5 and gain access to the
a-file if opened.
✅ 5. Don’t Rush – Outmaneuver

This variation is less about concrete tactics and more about long-
term piece coordination.

Karpov was a master of this: he’d use minor threats, knight hops,
and soft central nudges to tie up his opponent.

♟️ Karpov Variation – Main Line

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1 – b5
7. Bb3 – d6
8. c3 – 0-0
9. h3 – h6
10.d4 – Re8
11.Nbd2 – Bf8
12.a4 – Bd7
13.Bc2 – exd4
14.cxd4 – Nb4
15.Bb1– c5
16.d5 – c4
17.Nf1 – g6
This setup reflects Karpov’s typical structure — patient, slow-
burning defense with no obvious weaknesses. White, on the other
hand, is repositioning for the kingside push.
🧠 White’s Strategy in the Karpov Setup

✅ 1. Dominate the Center (without committing)

• Maintain e4/d4 center.

• Do not rush e5 or dxe5 until your pieces are ideally placed.

✅ 2. Classic Spanish Knight Maneuver

• Nbd2 → f1 → g3 or e3
• Often followed by Be3, Qd2, Re1, possibly Kh1 + g4

This knight path supports f4 and a kingside initiative while securing

the center.

✅ 3. Kingside Space Grab

After full development, White can go for:

• f4, supported by Nf1/Bc2/Re1

• g4 after Kh1 to gain kingside space

This puts pressure on the slower-paced Karpovian setup.

✅ 4. Pressure on Queenside via a4

Play a4 to undermine b5 and potentially open the a-file.

This keeps Black from expanding too freely on the queenside.

 ♟️ Keres System – Main Line

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. 0-0 – Be7
6. Re1– b5
7. Bb3 – 0-0
8. d3 – d6
9. c3 – Na5
10.Bc2 – c5
11.Nbd2 – Qc7
12.Nf1 – h6
13.Ng3 – Re8
14.a4 – Bd7
15.d4 – cxd4
16.cxd4 – Rac8
17.Bd3

This shows the key points:

• White maintains central control

• Keeps the bishop pair
• Is ready to push d4 or f4 depending on Black’s setup
🧠 White’s Strategy in the Keres System

✅ 1. Avoid Early Central Commitments

• By playing d3 instead of d4, you keep the position flexible.

• White delays the central pawn clash and instead focuses on
completing development smoothly.

✅ 2. Control the Center with Pieces

• The central pawn structure is solid but not overextended.

• White uses Re1, Nbd2, c3, h3, Nf1–g3, etc., to gradually
expand.

✅ 3. Kingside Play

• The f1–g3 knight maneuver prepares f4.

• White often launches a slow kingside attack, especially after
Black commits to the queenside.

✅ 4. Queenside Restraint

• White typically plays a4 to prevent ...a5 and undermine

Black’s queenside pawn structure.
• Bb3 stays alive, controlling key squares and often reroutes
via Bc2 for pressure on h7 (after Qe2–Qf3, etc.).

✅ 5. Play Positionally, Not Tactically

• The Keres System avoids sharp theory in favor of long-term

strategic play.
• Ideal for players who like slow, maneuvering battles rather
than sharp lines.
 ♟️ Open Ruy Lopez – Main Line

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. O-O Nxe4
6. d4 b5
7. Bb3 d5
8. dxe5 Be6
9. c3 Be7
10.Nbd2 Nc5
11.Bc2 d4
12.Nb3 d3
13.Nxc5 dxc2
14.Qxc2 Bxc5

Now White has:

• Development lead
• Open files
• Targets on a6, b5, and e6
🧠 White's Strategic Goals in the Open Ruy Lopez

✅ 1. Pressure Black's Center

• White wants to exploit the looseness of Black’s central

structure (particularly d5 and e6).
• The e5 pawn is an outpost and must be supported or used to
create weaknesses.

✅ 2. Rapid Development & Piece Activity

• Since the position is open, White should mobilize quickly.

• Develop both bishops, control open files, and centralize
pieces.

✅ 3. Exploit the Queenside Weaknesses

• Black’s queenside is often shaky due to early ...b5.

• White can pressure a6, b5, and c6 (especially with a later c3
+ a4 plan).

✅ 4. Use the Open Files

• The e-file and d-file often become open or semi-open.

• White should occupy them with rooks and pressure backward
pawns or pinned knights.

✅ 5. Punish Early Imbalances

• Black has moved the knight twice early and taken on e4 —

this can give White a lead in development.
• White often plays Nc3, Be3, Qe2, Rd1, and even Nd4–f5 to
challenge weak squares.
 ♟️ Exchange Ruy Lopez – Main Line
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Bxc6 – dxc6
5. 0-0 – f6
6. d4 – exd4
7. Qxd4 – Qxd4
8. Nxd4 – c5
9. Ne2 – Bd6
10.Nbc3 – Ne7
11.Bf4 – Be6

White is better:

• Better pawn structure

• Good control of central squares
• Long-term play on c5, e6, and isolated pawn weaknesses
• (White can also try d4 immediately, but 5. O-O is the main
flexible approach.)

🧠 Strategic Goals for White

✅ 1. Target the Double c-Pawns

• The split c6 + c7 pawns are long-term weaknesses.

• White aims for minor piece endgames, where those pawns
can be attacked.
✅ 2. Simplify Into Favorable Endgames

• The Exchange Variation is one of the few lines where White

actively trades pieces early.
• Why? Because the fewer pieces on the board, the bigger the
value of structural weaknesses.

✅ 3. Central Domination with d4

• White usually plays:

o O-O
o Then d4 to control the center
o Possibly Nc3, Qe2, Rd1, preparing Be3 or Bg5

✅ 4. Use the f-file (if Black castles kingside)

• If Black plays ...exd4 after d4, White may end up with an

open f-file after exf6.
• This gives chances for a kingside attack (especially in sharp
lines with Qf3, Re1, and even f4-f5).

✅ 5. Kingside Initiative (Modern Lines)

• In modern play, White often avoids early piece trades and

keeps the tension, aiming for a double-edged game despite
the pawn imbalance.
• There are lines with Qf3, Nc3–Ne2, Ng3, Re1, and f4-f5.
 ♟️ Berlin Defense – Main Line
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nf6
4. O-O – Nxe4
5. d4 – Nd6
6. Bxc6 – dxc6
7. dxe5 – Nf5
8. Qxd8+ – Kxd8
9. Nc3 – Ke8
10.h3 – Be7
11.Bf4 – Be6
12.Rad1 – Rd8
13.Rxd8+ – Kxd8
14.g4 – Nh4
15.Nxh4 – Bxh4
16.Kg2
Now White begins to push pawns on the kingside while targeting c6
and centralizing the king.
🧠 White’s Strategic Goals in the Berlin (Main Line)

✅ 1. Exploit King in the Center

• Black’s king is stuck on d8 after Qxd8+.

• White can try to exploit this by developing quickly and
activating rooks (Rd1, Nc3, etc.).

✅ 2. Play Against the Pawn Structure

• Black’s c6 pawn is isolated.

• The e5 pawn gives White space.
• Long-term, White aims to press on c6, e6, and f7.

✅ 3. Activate Minor Pieces Early

• White goes for:

o Nc3 – Be3
o Rd1
o h3, g4 (to restrict Black’s knight)
o Ne2 – g3 and possibly f4

✅ 4. Use the Kingside Majority

• White often has 4 vs 3 pawns on the kingside.

• The long-term plan is to push f4–f5, create weaknesses, and
bring in the king after castling or in the endgame.

✅ 5. Play a Long Strategic Game

• There are no quick knockouts here.

• Think Karpov/Carlsen-style grind: improve your worst
piece, dominate open files, fix weaknesses, and push tiny
advantages.
 ♟️ The Berlin Endgame – Setup (Main Line)
1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nf6
4. 0-0 – Nxe4
5. d4 – Nd6
6. Bxc6 – dxc6
7. dxe5 – Nf5
8. Qxd8+ – Kxd8
9. Nc3 – Ke8
10.h3 – Be7
11.Rd1– Be6
12.Bf4 – Rd8
13.g4 – Nh4
14.Nxh4 – Bxh4
15.Kg2

White has:

• Slightly better pawn structure

• More active pieces (initially)
• A kingside pawn majority (4 vs 3)
• Centralized rooks coming soon

Then White continues with:

• Ne4
• Be3
• King to f3
• Slowly building pressure on c6 and preparing f4–f5
🎯 White’s Strategic Goals in the Berlin Endgame

✅ 1. Pressure c6 and the pawn structure

• The c6 pawn is weak and often a long-term target.

• White often doubles rooks on the d-file or c-file to build
pressure.

✅ 2. Activate the king early

• Since queens are off, White aims to bring the king to e2–f3
quickly.
• This often makes a big difference in long endgames.

✅ 3. Play for f4–f5 pawn break

• White has a 4 vs 3 pawn majority on the kingside.

• The f4–f5 push is a major plan to create space and
weaknesses.
• Often prepared with h3–g4 to control key squares and push
the knight back.

✅ 4. Use the knight vs bishop imbalance

• White usually has a knight vs Black's dark-square bishop.

• If the position gets closed (especially after f5), the knight
becomes superior.

✅ 5. Keep tension and avoid premature trades

• The position is balanced — White must avoid over-

simplifying too early.
• Trades should only be made when they improve White’s
piece activity or target a weakness.
 ♟️ Anti-Berlin Setup

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nf6
4. 0-0 – Nxe4
5. Re1 – Nd6
6. Nxe5 – Be7
7. Bf1 – Nxe5
8. Rxe5 – 0-0
9. d4 – Bf6
10.Re1– Re8
11.c3 – Rxe1
12.Qxe1– Ne8

• This is the Anti-Berlin. White doesn’t play 6. d4 and

Qxd8+ like in the Berlin Endgame. Instead, the move Re1 is
a waiting and flexible move that keeps the tension.

• This is a slower, more flexible structure where White has

space and piece activity, and Black tries to regroup with
...d5.
🎯 Strategic Ideas for White in the Anti-Berlin

✅ 1. Avoid the Endgame

• The whole point of Re1 is to avoid the early queen trade.

• This keeps complexity, piece tension, and chances for a
middlegame initiative.

✅ 2. Play d3 Instead of d4

• Often White plays d3 instead of d4, keeping a closed center.

• Then follows up with Nbd2, c3, h3, Nf1–g3, and eventually
d4.

✅ 3. Slow Kingside Maneuvering

• After Re1, White often goes for the classic Spanish plan:
o Nbd2 → Nf1 → Ng3
o c3, h3, sometimes a4
o Eventually d4 to claim the center when ready

✅ 4. Maintain Flexible Center

• By delaying d4 and avoiding early exchanges, White retains

flexibility.
• You can decide later whether to go for central expansion
(d4) or play on the wings (a4, f4).

✅ 5. Kingside Attack Potential

• Once the knight gets to g3 and the center is stable, White has
kingside attacking chances.
• f4 is often a thematic pawn break (especially if Black plays
...Re8).
 ♟️ Delayed Exchange Ruy Lopez

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. O-O– Be7
6. Bxc6 – dxc6
7. d3 – Nd7
8. Nbd2 – O-O
9. Nc4 – f6
10.Ne3 – Re8
11.b3 – Nf8
12.Bb2 – c5
13.Nh4 – g6
14.f4

• In the Delayed Exchange, White waits and only captures

Bxc6 later, often after Black has committed to certain pawn
moves (like ...b5 or ...d6).

• Now this is the Delayed Exchange Variation — White

castles first, and only then gives up the bishop pair.

• This kind of setup shows how White can gradually build

pressure on both flanks.

🎯 Strategic Ideas for White in the Delayed Exchange

✅ 1. Damage Black’s Pawn Structure

• Just like the standard Exchange Variation, the goal is to

create doubled c-pawns: ...bxc6.
• White then targets the c6 pawn and plays against Black's
weakened queenside.

✅ 2. Improve Before Committing

• Delaying Bxc6 gives White a chance to:

o See where Black develops their pieces
o Castle first for safety
o Avoid certain ...dxc6 lines where the center becomes
more fluid

✅ 3. Flexible Central Plans

• White often plays c3 and d4, aiming to seize the center.

• The timing is crucial — White builds up first before striking
with d4.

✅ 4. Create a Long-Term Endgame Advantage

• The pawn structure imbalance favors White in many

endgames.
• If queens are traded, White often enjoys:
o A better pawn majority on the kingside (4 vs 3)
o Targets on c6 and e5
o A slight space edge

✅ 5. Use Piece Activity

• After ...bxc6, the c-file opens, but Black’s pieces can become
clumsy.
• White keeps good coordination with Re1, d4, Nd2–f1–g3,
etc.
 ♟️ Worrall Attack

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. O-O – Be7
6. Qe2 – b5
7. Bb3 – O-O
8. C3 – d6
9. h3 – Nb8
10.d4 – Nbd7
11.Rd1– Bb7
12.Nbd2 – Re8
13.Bc2 – Bf8
14.d5

• The Worrall Attack is a variation of the Ruy Lopez where

White plays Qe2 instead of the usual Re1.

Now White has:

• A space advantages
• Strong central pawns
• Potential for a kingside initiative with Nf1–g3, Be3, and f4

🎯 Strategic Ideas for White in the Worrall

✅ 1. Avoid Heavy Theory

• Qe2 avoids the massive body of theory in the Closed Ruy

Lopez.
• You sidestep Berlin and Zaitsev lines, but still play
principled chess.

✅ 2. Flexible Support for e4

• The queen defends the e4 pawn directly, freeing the f1-rook

to go to e1 or d1.
• That opens up ideas like c3 + d4, which is central to most
Ruy Lopez plans.

✅ 3. Retain Options for f4 Break

• Because the rook isn't yet committed to e1, White can go for
a more kingside-focused plan with f4 in some lines.
• A fast f4–f5 could lead to a kingside storm or central
dominance.

✅ 4. Kingside Attack with Qe2 + Ng3

• The Qe2 move supports a quick shift of the knight via

Nbd2–f1–g3, then aiming for f5/h5.
• The queen is better positioned for potential sacrifices or
threats on the kingside.

✅ 5. Control of the d-file or e-file

• Later on, White often plays Rd1, targeting the d6 pawn or

taking over the only open file.
• The setup is flexible and you choose your plan based on how
Black develops.
 ♟️ Center Attack

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Nf6
5. c3 – Nxe4
6. d4 – b5
7. Bc2 – d5
8. Nxe5 – Nxe5
9. dxe5 – Bc5
10.0-0 – 0-0
11.Nd2 – f5 (Sometimes played)
12.exf6 – Nxf6

• Here, instead of playing 6. O-O (the main line of the Ruy

Lopez), White immediately strikes the center with 6. d4,
sacrificing a pawn (or offering to) for rapid development and
initiative.

• Now White has great central space and can start building
pressure with Nb3, Bg5, Qd3, or Be3.

🎯 Main Strategic Goals for White

✅ 1. Rapid Central Control

• With 6. d4, White immediately challenges Black's center and

tries to blow it open.
• White’s goal is to accelerate piece development and grab
space.

✅ 2. Open Lines for Attack

• If Black accepts the pawn, White gets fast activity:

o Open e-file for rooks
o Quick bishop and queen development
o Early threats against e5 or f7

✅ 3. Tactical Shot at Unprepared Opponents

• Many players don’t expect this line — it’s a strong opening

surprise weapon.
• If Black misplays, White can gain a large lead in
development and dangerous initiative.

✅ 4. Initiative Over Material

• Sometimes White sacrifices a pawn or delays recapturing it.

• The compensation lies in piece activity, tempo, and pressure
on f7 and e5.

✅ 5. Strong Follow-Up Development

• Typical development includes:

o O-O
o Re1
o Nc3
o Bxc6+ (if needed)
o Be3/Qe2/Qf3, depending on setup
 ♟️ Cozio Defense

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nge7
4. 0-0 – a6
5. Ba4 – g6
6. c3 – Bg7
7. d4 – exd4
8. cxd4 – d5
9. e5 – b5
10.Bb3 – Bg4
• Here, instead of playing the usual 3...a6 or 3...Nf6, Black
develops the knight to e7, intending to support ...d5 later and
keep flexible piece development.

Now White has:

• Central control
• More active piece play
• Long-term targets (the e7 knight, the dark squares)

From here, White can play:

• Be3
• Nbd2–b3
• h3 and g4 to kick the bishop and expand on the kingside
🎯 Strategic Goals for White in the Cozio Defense

✅ 1. Grab the Center Immediately

• Since Black delays kingside development and ...a6, White

can strike quickly with:
o c3 + d4 for central control
o Possibly O-O followed by d4 in more flexible lines

✅ 2. Take Advantage of the Awkward Knight

• The knight on e7 blocks the f8 bishop and reduces pressure

on e4.
• White can aim to develop faster and launch kingside
initiative before Black finishes coordination.

✅ 3. Develop Smoothly and Actively

• Standard Ruy Lopez development works well:

o Ba4, O-O, c3, d4, Re1, and then Nbd2–f1–g3
• The move c3 is very strong against this setup because it
prepares d4, but also keeps the b3 square open for the
bishop later.

✅ 4. Create Queenside Pressure if Black Castles Short

• If Black eventually castles kingside, White can try a4, Be3,

and even Qd2 with potential long castling and pawn storm
ideas.
 ♟️ Bird Defense

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – Nd4
4. Nxd4 – exd4
5. O-O – c6
6. Bc4 – Nf6
7. Re1– Be7
8. e5 – Ng8
9. Qg4 – g6
10.Qxd4
• This early ...Nd4 is the Bird Defense. It immediately
questions the bishop on b5 and challenges White’s setup.

Now White has:

• A lead in development
• Central control
• An initiative with the queen active on d4

🎯 Strategic Goals for White

✅ 1. Don’t Overreact — Stay Solid

• The knight jump to d4 is provocative, but not soundly

threatening.
• White should calmly react, usually by Nxd4 or Ba4,
depending on style.
✅ 2. Take Over the Center

• After exchanges or retreats, White typically plays:

o c3
o d4
• This establishes a classic Ruy Lopez central dominance
with tempo.

✅ 3. Punish Black’s Early Commitment

• The move Nd4 is premature — it blocks other pieces and

moves the same piece twice.
• White can gain a lead in development and look for tactical
shots later.

✅ 4. Avoid Unnecessary Material Grabs

• Don't rush into tactics like Nxe5 too early. Some lines (like
after ...Qg5) can get sharp fast.
• Play positionally, and your superior center and piece activity
will win out.
 ♟️ Modern Steinitz Defense

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – d6
5. c3 – Be7
6. h3 – Nf6
7. 0-0 – 0-0
8. Re1

• Instead of immediately playing ...Nf6 (like in the classical

Ruy Lopez), Black adopts a more flexible and solid stance
with d6, aiming to defend the e5 pawn and prepare for
future central expansion with ...Be7 and ...h6.

Now White has:

• Central control
• Well-coordinated pieces
• The flexibility to push for a kingside attack or a central break
with d4

From here, White will often play:

• d3 to keep the structure solid.

• d4 to break in the center if the time is right.
• Keep options open with Qe2 and Nb3.
🎯 Strategic Goals for White in the Modern Steinitz
Defense

✅ 1. Central Control

• White’s main idea in this structure is to dominate the center

with moves like d4.
• White often plays c3 to support d4 and Re1 to get ready for
central or kingside play.

✅ 2. Avoid Overextension

• While White has the central space advantage, it’s important

not to overextend prematurely, particularly by advancing
pawns like e5 too early, as Black may undermine it with
moves like ...d5 or ...c5.
• Keep development smooth with d3, O-O, and h3.

✅ 3. Prepare the Kingside Attack

• The Steinitz Defense often leads to a more closed position,

but White can build up a kingside attack if Black delays
...Be7 or if the structure allows:
o Move h3 to prevent Black’s knight or bishop from
coming to g4.
o Consider a g4 expansion if Black fianchettos.

✅ 4. The Slow Build-Up

• Unlike the sharp open Ruy Lopez, White’s approach here is

often more positional and slow-paced, requiring a deep
understanding of the pawn structures.
 ♟️ Schliemann (Jaenisch) Gambit

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – f5
4. d3 – fxe4
5. dxe4 – d6
6. Nc3 – Nf6
7. 0-0 – Be7
8. Re1– 0-0
• Black offers a pawn on f5 in exchange for rapid development
and counterplay. The idea is to attack the center and create
imbalances, but at the risk of material deficit.

• Instead of exf5, White typically avoids taking the pawn

immediately with d3, reinforcing the center and delaying the
decision on whether to take the pawn.

• White can hold onto the pawn, develop quickly, and maintain
control of the center.

🎯 Strategy for White in the Schliemann Gambit

✅ 1. Play Positional Moves (Avoid Immediate Material Grab)

• d3 is the most common way for White to deal with the

gambit. By reinforcing the center, White avoids premature
material grabs and can later decide if taking on f5 is viable.
• After d3, White plans to continue development with moves
like Nc3, O-O, Re1, and Nbd2.
✅ 2. Defend the Center and Develop

• White needs to be cautious about Black’s initiative and

develop solidly.
• Moves like Nc3 and O-O help White stay ahead in
development while keeping a solid grip on the center.

✅ 3. Counter Black’s Counterplay

• Black's idea is to pressure White with piece activity,

typically focusing on the f-file and the center. White should
avoid letting Black’s pawns advance too far.
• After d3, White should aim for d4 in the future, or
alternatively, Nc3 and h3.

📌 Main Line of Schliemann Gambit

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5, the typical continuation is:

4. d3 – fxe4
5. dxe4 – d6
6. Nc3 – Nf6
7. 0-0 – Be7
8. Re1 – 0-0

White's Position:

• White is slightly ahead in development and still has a solid

pawn structure. White should aim to:
o Re1 to support the e4 pawn and prepare to open the
center with d4.
o Nc3 to develop and add support to the center.
Black's Counterplay:

• Black has sacrificed a pawn but has good development and

piece activity.
• Black’s immediate plan is to develop the f8 bishop (often
with Be7) and castle, with counterattacks against White’s
center and king.

What if White Takes the Pawn on f5?

If White decides to accept the gambit immediately by exf5 (which is

playable but risky), the game would continue:

4. exf5 – f5
5. d3 – d6
6. 0-0 – Nf6

Now Black has compensation through:

• Open files (especially the f-file) and can create threats

against White’s king and center.
• White must play carefully to hold onto the pawn, especially
in a tactical middle game.
 ♟️ Delayed Morphy Defense

1. e4 – e5
2. Nf3 – Nc6
3. Bb5 – a6
4. Ba4 – Be7
5. 0-0 – d6
6. c3 – Nf6
7. Re1– 0-0
8. h3 – h6
9. d4 – exd4
10.cxd4 – Re8
11.Nc3 – Bf8

• In this setup, Black chooses not to play Nf6 immediately after Ba4
(as seen in the Morphy Defense). Instead, Black plays a delayed
development with d6 and Be7, and only later plays Nf6.

• This move prepares for d4 and keeps the position flexible. White
is getting ready to challenge the center and complete development
smoothly.

Possible continuations after 7. Re1:

• 7... O-O: Black castles, and White continues with h3, d4, or
Nc3.
• 7... Bg4: Black tries to pin White's knight on f3, and White
can respond with h3 or d4 to break the pin.
• After White plays d4 (which may come on the next move
after Re1), White will have a strong central presence, and
the game is likely to open up in the center.
• In this line, White has a strong center with pawns on e4 and
d4, while Black is still developing, with their knight on f6
and bishop on f8. White aims to keep pressing forward with
moves like d5 and further pressure on the center.
🎯 Main Strategy for White in the Delayed Morphy
Defense

✅ 1. Central Control and Development

• White’s first goal is to control the center with moves like

d2-d4 and c2-c3, gradually establishing a strong central
presence.
• White should develop smoothly, completing Nc3, d4, and O-
O, ensuring a solid position with a safe king.

✅ 2. Prepare for d4 Break

• The key central break in the Delayed Morphy Defense is

d4. After c3, White aims to play d4 to challenge Black’s
center.
• This move is especially effective since Black has not yet
committed to Nf6, making d4 easier to achieve.

✅ 3. Exploiting Black's Delayed Development

• By delaying the development of the knight to f6, Black may

temporarily lag in development compared to White. White
can capitalize on this by trying to seize space and initiate
action before Black can fully complete development.
• White can sometimes play d4 early to open up the position
and exploit Black’s lack of coordination between pieces.

✅ 4. Be Flexible and Adapt

• White's setup is often flexible. After d3 and c3, White can

continue with Nc3, and Re1, and choose to go for d4 at an
opportune moment.
• The aim is to avoid committing to anything too quickly,
adapting to Black’s choices and building a strong center in
the process.