Preview: Ruy Lopez: Closed Variations, Trajkovic Counterattack (C88)

Since I won't have much time to post a good, complete analysis of this line anytime soon, I'm considering doing it in a series. My goal is to post a Black win with the most common White response, a White win, of course, a Geller-Smyslov midgame draw (so we can analyze the position), and a loss with the White continuation 8. Nc3 (Which only appears three times in the database; two losses for white and 1 draw). 

Until then, you can study for this forum by checking out the games of Jonny Hector, who has a great record with this defense.

Position: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 

That's the Basic Ruy Lopez. 

3...a6  4. Ba5 Nf6  5. 0-0 Be7  6. Re1 b5  7. Bb3 Bb7

I would also like to add that when I am done with this mini-series, I plan on comparing this continuation to the much more popular 7...0-0, which appears in 15,000+ games compared to Trajkovic's 200+. From there on, my hope is that the discussion will guide itself.

The diagram above is incorrect.  

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc63. Bb5 a6 4. O-O Be75. Re1 b5 6. Bb3 Bb7

4.Ba4 and 4...Nf6 are both missing.