Ruy Lopez: 3rd move sidelines - Part 1: Repertoire Preparation

Sidelines are sidelines because they are bad for one of the sides. I realized this while studying the 3rd move alternatives for Ruy Lopez.

First, there is the Steinitz defense. It is bad because of a masterful trap hidden in it - called the Tarrasch trap - in which many great masters have been snared. Note that "Steinitz defense deferred" is a very respectable opening.

Here is the trap

This is why Black is forced to "give up the center" by playin 8...exd4.

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