As White I would avoid the Exchange Variation where after Black plays ..a6 White plays Bxc6 as it evens things out too quickly. Ba4 is the way to go to keep attacking chances alive. You can win with the exchange variation as well as you have the better pawn structure but it becomes a more strategic game as usually Queens are exchanged in a few moves.
Originally posted by ChessNutI tend to disagree. The exchange variation is an interesting way to avoid the labyrinth of variations following 4.Ba4.
As White I would avoid the Exchange Variation where after Black plays ..a6 White plays Bxc6 as it evens things out too quickly. Ba4 is the way to go to keep attacking chances alive. You can win with the exchange variation as well as you have the better pawn structure but it becomes a more strategic game as usually Queens are exchanged in a few moves.
Queens only risk to be exchanged early in the game if white plays like for instance 5.d4 exd4 6.Qxd4. But there are alternatives, leading to interesting play. Examples:
- 5.0-0 with replies like Bg4 (check out 6.h3 h5!) or f6 or Qd6
- 5.Nc3 with replies like f6, Bg4 or Qe7
Mephisto
Originally posted by Mephisto2I don't disagree with you. I just thought that for someone early in their Chess Understanding I think it's easier to win vs. someone of equal caliber when you keep pieces on the board. Ba4 and the eventual Bb3 allows aggressive play on both parts and is a great way to learn tactics early in your career.
I tend to disagree. The exchange variation is an interesting way to avoid the labyrinth of variations following 4.Ba4.
Queens only risk to be exchanged early in the game if white plays like for instance 5.d4 exd4 6.Qxd4. But there are alternatives, leading to interesting play. Examples:
- 5.0-0 with replies like Bg4 (check out 6.h3 h5!) or f6 or Qd6
- 5.Nc3 with replies like f6, Bg4 or Qe7
Mephisto
You are quite right about the Exchange Variation I was just speaking in the context of his "newness".
Bryan
Originally posted by creonkxHi Creonkx,
I'm trying to learn basic openings, one being Ruy Lopez and some variations. Anyone have opinions on which variations are best/worst? Also, anyone up to play using this opening?
The Ruy Lopez is a very interesting opening, but also a very
complicated one. Most chesstrainers usually advise to beginners
basic openings such as The Italian Game for white and Philidor
Opening and Queens Gambit Accepted for black.
The Italian Game: 1.e2-e4 e7-e5 2.Kng1-f3 Knb8-c6 3.Bf1-c4 Bf8-c5.
Philidor Opening: 1.e2-e4 e7-e5 2. Kng1-f3 d7-d6.
Queens Gambit Accepted: 1.d2-d4 d7-d5 2.c2-c4 d5xc4.
But if you find them boring, go for the Ruy Lopez.
IvanH.
Thanks for the input. I'm interested in chess theory and the more complicated games. I can see the stuff on paper, but wanted some first-hand opinions as to what has worked well for them. I understand and know the open defense. I'm just wondering which variations are worth studying.
Boys Boys BOys.....Hold on just a bit...i know u r just trying to help out a new guy but i just have a quick say as wellll!!!ever heard off a thing called the jaenisch..allso the schlieman...wich in my opinion is one off the sharpest gambits in chess thats why i love playing against the Ruy Lopez{gey lopez}no offence...where 1.e4-e5 2.nf3-c6 3.bb5-f5?!!!and thats the easy prt working up the gutz to chuck that f-pawn out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
acknowledged....but?name me x nr. of non masters that if you throw them the theory over the board that would be able to handle it!!!eg.i played state champs final round on board 1..against a guy with an international rating of 2408!!!after about 25 odd moves material was +-equal and all off my pieces were mobilized and his rooks were still stuck on a1 and h1...ill see if i can find the game somewhere...thanx