Mastering the Ruy Lopez: Understanding the start of the Exchange Variation

By Elon T, 1110 NWSRS Rated

The Ruy Lopez opening starts after 1. e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bb5. The exchange variation happens after 4:...... a3 Bxc4 Dxc4. For the replies 4:.......d3 or 4: .......Nf3, see my other posts, coming soon!

My fav move in the exchange is now 6: Nc3, with the main replies being 6:........Nf6, 6...........d3, or 6..........Bd6. When Nf6 white can play Nxe5, and if black responds Nxe5 Nxe5 Qd4, you can play O-O, a tricky move, because black can't take either knight.

For the responses d3 and Bd6, play d4, busting out the center. When Bd6 is played, you castle. If they do Nf6 d4 exd4 Qxd4 O-O?(or any move that doesn't protect the fork) you can respond e5! forking the two pieces.