How should you respond to the solid Ruy Lopez opening as the black pieces? - Chess Forums

KeSetoKaiba

Jan 24, 2018

0

#1

As the title suggests, I would like to hear responses to this opening (I realize that this is a solid way for white to play/ "refuting" is not really possible here). I rarely face the Ruy Lopez, but when I do I either:

a) get dry lines (which the opening sometimes does, but that is not too bad of a thing, necessarily)

b) feel like I am responding well in the opening, but not as active as I would perhaps like...

(Hope the diagrams work as I seldom post with them

)

I often respond with the Berlin Defense, or the Morphy Defense: Columbus Variation. Sometimes, the second will be reached from a transposition from the first.

Is this the best way for black to respond to this opening, or is black in an inferior position already through these lines? I have used the computer analysis feature before, and I read other forums on this opening - however, computers do not give explanations - and the forums do not address these opening responses specifically. Any thoughts/suggestions (reasoning preferred)?

KeSetoKaiba

Jan 25, 2018

0

#2

Thank you DeirdreSkye, for pointing out my careless broadness. For anyone posting in this forum in the future, or you yourself DeirdreSkye: I suppose mentioning any lines that you care to discuss is fine. I probably should have been a bit more specific, but I rarely face the Ruy Lopez opening and so as a result, I guess I am asking for any insights to the opening as a whole. If anyone wants to share favorite lines of this opening, that is fine. If anyone wants to mention preference for mainlines versus sidelines of this opening, that is fine. If anyone has in-depth thoughts/explanations to anything regarding this opening, that is not only fine, but great. (I'll respect most opinions if they have evidence/reasoning given)

Once again thank you DeirdreSkye for pointing out what sounds clear in my head, but perhaps most do not see as clear.

Thoughts/ideas/concepts/responses to this opening, and so on, are welcome

Lipnitzky

Jan 25, 2018

0

#3

I would say Marshall Attack/Gambit?

gmt769

Jan 25, 2018

0

#4

You might consider playing the Spanish as white for a while. Then you will get to see how other players handle the black pieces. Once you get a feel for black's options, you can choose one or more variations that you like.

KeSetoKaiba

Jan 25, 2018

0

#5

Thanks for the interesting idea Lipnitzky, as this Marshall Attack concept was a new one to me.

Also especially thanks to you Dierdreskye, for your in-depth response: explanations and reasoning certainly add to chess study, and you have provided both in an especially interesting way. This is interesting to look at and study, and I'd rather learn it now BEFORE I face it over the board.

I hope other players will benefit from this forum as much as I feel I am.

Thanks again for the responses from everyone, thus far

KeSetoKaiba

Jan 25, 2018

0

#6

Thanks for your feedback too eehunt94, also that "rule of thumb" is a common theme in other openings too, but it is good that you mention this here - as sometimes small things are not noticed, or forgotten about.

I am surprisingly pleased with the contributions to this forum, and I am curious to hear other thoughts from more players too. As for those already commented within, it is really each and everyone of you that fuels the pistons of chess improvement.

Robhad

Jan 25, 2018

0

#7

After playing the Berlin Defense (which is very solid by the way - probably the most solid) almost exclusively for years, I have recently taken a liking to the direct and active Caro variation (below). I also dabbled in Bird's Defense, which is nice because it catches Ruy players off guard, but isn't the greatest option against a really good player.

KeSetoKaiba

Jan 25, 2018

0

#8

Thanks Robhad, this is an active possible variation that intrigues me - I may use this for a few games to see how I like it. It is a simple fianchetto idea that I did not think of, but clearly makes some sense here.

kindaspongey

Jan 25, 2018

0

#9

IM poucin

Jan 25, 2018

0

#10

Robhad a écrit :

After playing the Berlin Defense (which is very solid by the way - probably the most solid) almost exclusively for years, I have recently taken a liking to the direct and active Caro variation (below). I also dabbled in Bird's Defense, which is nice because it catches Ruy players off guard, but isn't the greatest option against a really good player.

The bird defence is defined by 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4.

LouStule

Jan 25, 2018

0

#11

H6

Hamburgerluvr69

Jan 26, 2018

0

#12

I just refuse to play black in the Ruy, I never like my position.

In the past year im just 1. e4, e6

I think it's pretty natural as a canadian to prefer French to Spanish..

SalemRepresentative

Jan 26, 2018

0

#13

I would play the berlin variation or the Breyer variation with black.

RathminesRampager

Jan 26, 2018

0

#14

Don't be timid. Play the Schliemann and make White regret playing the Ruy Lopez.

https://www.everymanchess.com/the-schliemann-move-by-move

Robhad

Jan 26, 2018

0

#15

poucin wrote:

Robhad a écrit :

After playing the Berlin Defense (which is very solid by the way - probably the most solid) almost exclusively for years, I have recently taken a liking to the direct and active Caro variation (below). I also dabbled in Bird's Defense, which is nice because it catches Ruy players off guard, but isn't the greatest option against a really good player.

The bird defence is defined by 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4.

I know. I've played it a few times for fun and to throw my opponent's for a loop. I now favor the Caro.

ai-chen

Mar 2, 2018

0

#16

play game with chess engines stockfish online and ask it for best move vs the opening

stockfish is very smart and well tell you best move and what is not your best move

link https://lichess.org/analysis you can learn a lot from stockfish

m_n0

Mar 2, 2018

0

#17

ai-chen wrote:

play game with chess engines stockfish online and ask it for best move vs the opening

stockfish is very smart and well tell you best move and what is not your best move

link https://lichess.org/analysis you can learn a lot from stockfish

For the love of God, don't do this.

Also, play the Marshall, it's fun. At top level people consistently make draws with it, and at lower levels White gets mated a lot.

IM poucin

Mar 2, 2018

0

#18

Robhad a écrit :

poucin wrote:

Robhad a écrit :

After playing the Berlin Defense (which is very solid by the way - probably the most solid) almost exclusively for years, I have recently taken a liking to the direct and active Caro variation (below). I also dabbled in Bird's Defense, which is nice because it catches Ruy players off guard, but isn't the greatest option against a really good player.

The bird defence is defined by 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4.

I know. I've played it a few times for fun and to throw my opponent's for a loop. I now favor the Caro.

If u know it, why giving an opening (Ruy Lopez with a6-b5-Bb7) which has nothing to do with it?

m_n0

Mar 2, 2018

0

#19

He said "the direct and active Caro variation (below)".

IM poucin

Mar 2, 2018

0

#20

Ok sorry but that's the first time i read/hear about "Caro variation" in Ruy Lopez...

Arkhangelsk variation ok, even if there is Nf6 and 0-0 inserted in this case.

I guess after playing "Caro variation" move order, black will follow with Nf6 transposing into the Arkhangelsk variation, which is a main line in Ruy Lopez theory.