Gud one Mikerussel

Some years ago, in the 1970s, this line was already considered a bit suspect.

Instead of 6. Bxf7+ immediately, 6. Bd5 was an idea I had as an intermediate way to the sacrifice - theory gives 6. ... c6 and now 7. Bxf7+ makes more sense. I couldn't find any tests of it in any databases I had access to, it certainly merits a try in some quick chess games to see if it has any merit (I think....). Back then I scored well in speed chess with it, not that that means anything.

Good article, enjoyed it.

Thanks greenlaser

In Mike Roesell's line, after 9.b4, 9...d6 looks better. This sacrificial line was approved of by Keres. However, published statements on openings by active players can be misleading.

interesting, even though I do not play the Ruy lopez.

theoritically speaking this bf7 is not advisable maybe only morozevich is using  this line during blizt game or rapid game with the idea of suprising his opponent with his prepared line at home for standard chess i think it will be a big plus for black players

This is called the Taimanov Variation as Mark Taimanov made it popular in 1950s.The line received a setback when he lost a spectacular game against Spassky in the Soviet Championship,1955. Simen Agdstein, Norway tried it against Anand in Baguio 1987. Anand improved on Spassky's play and won. You would find it in his Best Games collection.

However, Agdstein deserves credit for trying to revive the variation, in spite of several losses.

Only time can tell if Morozevich's experiment would work in the future.

About the line, 6.Bxf7+ Kxf7 7.Nxe5+ Ke7:

In correspondence games the continuation, 8.Nf7 Kxf7 9.Qh5+ g6 10.Qd5+ Kf7 11.Qxa8 has been tried. But after 11...Nc6, White has only suffered.

8.Nc3 sets more problems, and both sides have to tread carefully.So far the resulting complications have been in favour of Black.

Fisher game move 31Re6! Baffling as to how he(Fisher the "Greatest" maintained control of the game until it forces an checkmate! My Ruy Lopez is pre-school compared to the deepth of movements involved in this masterful exhibition of 'Mastery'! 100

Mr. Silman Wouldn't this be good for White?

8.Nf7 doesn't confer an advantage for White. Blacks two minor pieces are better than White's rook and two pawns, mainly because pieces are worth much more than pawns and that the pawn advantage isn't significant until the endgame.

According to your book "Reassess your chess" Silman, most people would try to avoid ...Nxb3 as White as it doubles White's pawns and gives black the two bishops, one static and one dynamic advantage. However axb3 opens the a-file for White's rook on a1. White's doubled pawns can be fixed by an eventual c2-c4 advance, which creates a queenside pawn majority if Black chooses to exchange.

However 6.Bxf7+? is bad, as White doesn't get enough compensation for the sacrificed piece and can't retain the initiative. White probably played it because he was afraid of 6...Nxb3 which actually favors him.

Bruiser - in trying to better your game, wouldn't it make sense to try to play more sound chess, rather than relying on the incompetency of your opponent?

To me one of the great joys of Chess is that I can play a questionable variation that Masters and Experts condemn and not lose all of the time.  The reason being that theory is one thing and practice quite another in many cases.   Plus at my level players frequently go wrong in attempting to punish "bad moves".

would definitly do on otb speed chess,it adds excitement thanx

thanks for the information!

Thank you IM Silman!

Thank you for the information, enjoyed reading it.

i usely go for the echxange variation