In the first diagram there is a typo: I put Bc4 is the characterizing move for the Ruy Lopez.
I meant that Bc4 is the characterizing move for the Italian Game
Why top-level players favor the Ruy Lopez
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1. Top level players do not favor the Ruy Lopez. In fact, e4 openings in general are a little under siege these days compared with the past.
2. Top level players play the Spanish game more often that the Italian game for the same reason lower level players do...Bb5 is more aggressive and demanding of an immediate response than Bc4, which gives black more options. There are aggressive variations that come from the Italian game, but many are gambits that are considered sub-obtimal at the top levels.
Why is Nf3 the most popular move after e4 e5? Direct pressure on e5. Why is Bb5 more aggressive and forcing than Bc4? Indirect pressure on e5.
Jul 8, 2014
0
#4
In my experience mostly weaker chess players, exspecially in the 1200-1600 rating range play the Italian game because it is a very classical opening and many weak players think they will have a nice attacking game with f7 a a weak spot. But when you play this line a bit longer and learn the theory, then you will know how harmless it really is. It is one of the most boring openings I know and nobody who played this against me was a better player. The only dangerous things there are gambits like the Evans gambit but that is not the same as the classical Italian Game.
The ruy lopez is much more complex and interesting for both sides to play.
yourChess wrote:
The diagram above shows the Italian Game
The diagram above shows the Ruy Lopez(aka Spanish Game)
My question: Why is it that top-level chess players are 10% more likely to play the Ruy Lopez(aka Spanish Game) than the Italian Game?
Both opening leads to similar positions, yet top-level chess players favor the Ruy Lopez. Plus, club-level chess players favor the Italian Game. I'm stumped and I am unable to answer it; maybe chess members on this website can answer it.
Hi, I think it's because advanced chess players prefer position where understanding prevails. The Ruy Lopez normally leads to more positional games. Hope that helps
http://enjoychesslearning.wordpress.com/
Jul 8, 2014
0
#7
It is said that if you know how to play Ruy Lopez, you know how to play chess.
A big reason that the Ruy is so popular is that it maintains the tension far longer than other 1 e4 e5 openings so white can squeeze black for a very long time .
Thanks everybody for your help. Really appreciate it.
It surprises me how my blogs get 9 posts deep and then no responds afterward.
The diagram above shows the Italian Game
The diagram above shows the Ruy Lopez(aka Spanish Game)
My question: Why is it that top-level chess players are 10% more likely to play the Ruy Lopez(aka Spanish Game) than the Italian Game?
Both opening leads to similar positions, yet top-level chess players favor the Ruy Lopez. Plus, club-level chess players favor the Italian Game. I'm stumped and I am unable to answer it; maybe chess members on this website can answer it.