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Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit

Mastering the Flexibility of Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit is a complex opening with nuances and strategic decision points for both sides. By analyzing each move objectively, a deeper understanding of the game can be obtained, yielding a potential advantage in the game.

50%

50%

winrate

0%

This line (27 moves) is played in approximately 1 out of every 1000 games

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit is a popular and aggressive chess opening that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6.

One of its major strengths is the flexibility it provides to Black as it enables the possibility of executing a maneuver named "Breyer Variation".

However, White has the advantage of the bishop pair and better control on the center of the board in this opening, which could pose problems for Black in terms of their pawn structure and piece placement.

The difficult part of playing this opening is that it involves complex tactical and positional decisions, which can intimidate newer players who may not understand how to properly manage their pieces and control of the board.

In sum, Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit is a solid opening for players of all levels, providing a solid foundation for understanding the core chess principles of piece development, controlling the center, and pawn structure.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, move by move

e4

-0.15

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, the move e4 is critical. This move aims to control the center of the board and gain space for White's pieces. It also opens up diagonals for the bishop and queen to attack Black's position. The move e4 sets the tone for aggressive play and can lead to sharp tactical battles.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit e4

e5

+0.72

The move e5 by Black aims to control the center, just like 1.e4 by White. By doing this, Black also creates opportunities for their pieces to develop and become active. Additionally, the pawn on e5 guards the d4 square, which prevents White from placing a pawn there. This move is one of the most popular responses to 1.e4 and leads to a common opening called the Open Game.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit e5

Nf3

+0.1

After the moves 1.e4 e5, the move Nf3 by White develops the knight towards the center and aims to control the e5 square. It also attacks the pawn on e5, which may force Black to make a move to defend it. Additionally, the knight on f3 supports the pawn on d4, which is another central pawn that White wants to push forward. This move is a common and flexible response to Black's e5, and it allows White to continue developing their pieces and increasing their control of the center.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Nf3

Nc6

+0.76

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, the move Nc6 by Black develops a piece and prepares to attack the pawn on e5. It also defends the d4 square, which is often a target for White. The knight on c6 can also move towards the center and support a future d5 push by Black. This move is a common response for Black to develop their pieces and gain control of the center, while also preparing for potential counter-attacking opportunities.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Nc6

Bb5

+0.05

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, the move Bb5 by White is the Ruy Lopez opening, named after the Spanish bishop who first played it. The bishop attacks the knight on c6 and forces Black to make a decision on how to respond. If Black chooses to play a6 and force the bishop to retreat, White can often recapture with the bishop and gain control of the center. Alternatively, Black can allow the bishop to capture the knight and double their pawns on the c-file. The Ruy Lopez is a popular opening choice for White because it develops a piece, gains control of the center, and creates potential future attacking opportunities.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Bb5

a6

+0.75

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, the move a6 by Black aims to prevent the bishop from attacking the knight on c6 or staying on the b5-g8 diagonal. By forcing the bishop to retreat, Black can also delay White's development and gain time to develop their own pieces. Additionally, the move a6 prepares for Black's future b5 push, which can challenge White's control of the center and potentially open up attacking opportunities on the queenside. In sum, a6 is a flexible and common move in the Ruy Lopez opening.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit a6

Ba4

0

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6, the move Ba4 by White is a retreat of the bishop that attacks the knight on c6 and creates pressure on Black's position. It also prepares for a future bishop exchange on c6 if Black decides to recapture the bishop with their pawn. This move can also gain control of the c5 square and restrict Black's pieces. By playing Ba4, White also avoids potential pins along the b5-g8 diagonal, which can be advantageous for their future development.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Ba4

Nf6

+0.72

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4, the move Nf6 by Black attacks the pawn on e4 and gains control over the center. It also develops the knight and prepares for future moves like d5 or Nxe4. By playing Nf6, Black also challenges the stability of the bishop on a4, which may have to retreat to b3 or c2. Additionally, Nf6 prepares for the possible exchange of knights on e4, which can open up attacking opportunities for Black in the center of the board.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Nf6

O-O

+0.15

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6, the move O-O by White castles the king and improves the safety of the king. It also connects the rooks and prepares the king for a potential attack on the f-file. By castling kingside, White also plans to clear the d1-square for the development of their queen and rook. Additionally, castling kingside can provide an escape route for the king in case of danger on the other side of the board. This move is a common and important step in the opening that helps White complete their development and prepare for future actions on the board.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit O-O

Be7

+0.74

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O, the move Be7 by Black develops the bishop and connects the rooks. It also prepares for future moves like d6 or f5, which can help Black improve their position. By playing Be7, Black also releases pressure on the e5 pawn, which can now be attacked by the knight on f6. Additionally, Be7 prepares for a potential exchange of bishops with the bishop on a4, which may improve Black's pawn structure. In sum, Be7 is a flexible move that improves Black's pieces and prepares for future developments in the game.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Be7

Re1

+0.43

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7, the move Re1 by White connects the rooks and prepares for a possible e5 push, which can gain more control of the center and limit Black's future options. By placing the rook on the e-file, it also eyes the e5 square, which could be used by White to place a piece later in the game. Additionally, Re1 prepares for potential tactics on the e-file and can support the bishop on a4 in some lines. This move is common and flexible, allowing for further development of White's pieces and strategic options.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Re1

b5

+0.89

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1, the move b5 by Black aims to gain space on the queenside and challenge White's control of the center. By pushing the pawn, Black also prepares to attack the bishop on a4 or force it to retreat, which can be advantageous for Black's position. Additionally, b5 can be used to support the knight on c6 and prepare for future development of Black's pieces. However, this move also comes with some risks, as it creates weaknesses on the c6 and d5 squares that White can potentially exploit. In sum, b5 is a common and aggressive move that can lead to complex and dynamic positions.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit b5

Bb3

+0.15

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit, after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5, the move Bb3 by White retreats the bishop, which avoids capture by Black's pawn on b5. It also prepares to potentially exchange bishops on c6, which can leave Black with a doubled pawn on the c-file. By playing Bb3, White also eyes the d5 square, which can be a target for future attacks. Additionally, the move Bb3 protects the pawn on a4 and connects the rooks. This move is a common and flexible response that allows White to continue developing their pieces and preparing for future actions on the board.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Bb3

d6

+0.84

After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3, the move d6 by Black helps to control the e5 square and restrict White's pieces. It also prepares to potentially push the pawn to d5, which can gain more control of the center and open up the bishop on f8. Additionally, d6 can prepare for a future knight maneuver to d7 or f8, which can be useful for Black's development. By playing d6, Black creates a solid pawn structure and prepares for a flexible and strategic game. In sum, d6 is a common and important move in the Ruy Lopez opening, allowing Black to control the center and develop their pieces.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit d6

c3

+0.11

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6, the move c3 by White aims to solidify the pawn chain and gain more control of the center. It also prepares to potentially push the d-pawn to d4, which can gain even more space and reduce Black's mobility. Additionally, c3 prevents tactics involving a knight jump to b4, which can attack the bishop on b3 and potentially win a pawn. By playing c3, White also frees up the b1-h7 diagonal for the queen or bishop, which can be useful in some lines of play. This move is a key step in the Ruy Lopez opening that helps White control the center and prepare for future actions on the board.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit c3

Na5

+0.9

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Na5

Bc2

+0.53

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Bc2

c5

+0.94

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit c5

d4

+0.45

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit d4

Qc7

+0.87

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Qc7

Nbd2

+0.44

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Nbd2

O-O

+0.91

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit O-O

Nf1

-0.24

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Nf1

Bg4

+0.7

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Bg4

Ne3

-0.45

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Ne3

Bxf3

+0.54

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Bxf3

Qxf3

-0.51

This move is not described yet.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit Qxf3

How to play the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit is a solid opening choice for White in chess. First, aim for good pawn structure, with the pawn on e4 supported by knights on f3 and d4. Next, develop the light-squared bishop by bringing it to b5 and, if possible, exchanging it for the black bishop on c6. This leaves Black with pawn weaknesses. Continue development by bringing pieces out naturally, towards the center of the board. Prioritize careful control of the center, with possible expansion options like d4 or f4 in the future. Finally, remain alert to tactical breakthroughs, but stay on the lookout for positional advantages as well.

How to counter the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit is a popular, yet challenging opening. To counter, play moves that attack White's center with pawn pressure, such as d5 and knight to f6. Knight to c3 can also be prevented with pawn to a6, stopping the idea of exchanging the Black bishop on c6. If White does occupy the center with d4, consider attacks on White's pawn structure with moves like c5 or b5. Another plan is to focus on developing pieces to prepare castling quickly, which can complicate White's attack. Avoid exchanging the dark-squared bishop on c6 for the attacking bishop on b5, unless it is necessary.

Pawn structure in the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit features an asymmetrical pawn structure with different weaknesses for both sides. The central pawn structure for White, consisting of pawns on d4 and e4, enables control around the center. Black, however, has fewer center pawns, which can lead to a perceived disadvantage. However, the open c-file and potential pressure on the d4-pawn are possible strengths for Black. Additionally, the pawn on e5 can create a wedge, preventing White's pawns from advancing any further. Careful pawn management and attacking of opponent pawn weaknesses can lead to advantages in the game.

The papachess advice

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit offers both sides an opportunity to play creatively and aggressively. While it poses certain challenges, it also enables a variety of possible tactical and strategic decisions, keeping the game interesting. The flexibility it provides for Black and potential for the bishop pair in White, can create exciting variations on the opening. With careful management of pawns and pieces, advantages can be gained for either side. While the complexity of the opening may intimidate some players, studying it deeply through move-by-move analysis can provide a greater appreciation for the game. In sum, Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit remains a viable and compelling opening for players of all levels.

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Alekhine Gambit in brief

Eco code : C88

Flexibility for black

control of the center

bishop pair

Possible weak pawn structure for black

complex tactical decisions

possible fear of newer players

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