Bird's Ruy

1. e4 e5. 2. Nf3 Nc6. 3. Bb5 Nd4. 4. N.d4 e.d4. 5. 0-0 h5. What is the reason for the move 5. ... h5?

Originally posted by gambit3
1. e4 e5. 2. Nf3 Nc6. 3. Bb5 Nd4. 4. N.d4 e.d4. 5. 0-0 h5. What is the reason for the move 5. ... h5?

With KKt removed, White's kingside is more vulnerable. Black hopes to carry out a kingside pawn storm but this move may be premature.

Although I don't play much Ruy, so I may be wrong.

Originally posted by gambit3
1. e4 e5. 2. Nf3 Nc6. 3. Bb5 Nd4. 4. N.d4 e.d4. 5. 0-0 h5. What is the reason for the move 5. ... h5?

I'm not at home to check the books but I've not seen this as a common move in the Bird variation. Usually ...Bc5 or ...c6 is played.