Well, the Classical Defense allows White to build up an ideal center. Below is a natural continuation... decide for yourself whether it looks cramped.
Well, the Classical Defense allows White to build up an ideal center. Below is a natural continuation... decide for yourself whether it looks cramped.
Have you considered 3...a6 followed by 4..d6, the Steinitz Defense Deferred? That line tends to lead to less cramped positions.
As black you have to watch out for Nxe5 followed by d4 tricks and some e5 push in the early middlegame.
If white plays c3 and you reply f5, then, of course you have to correctly assess some Qh5+ checks.
Sorry I don't have time to post the specific positions right now.
scottyd, then 5...Qd4 6.Nf3 Qxe4+ 7.Qe2 Qxe2+ 8.Kxe2. Material is equal, except Black is up the bishop pair. Not bad for eight moves.
I've been playing against the Ruy Lopez for some time now, and I'm usually forced into a passive middlegame. I usually do fine in the game, but I hate the cramped position. Therefore, I'm trying 3. ... Bc5 against the Ruy Lopez. I have a few questions to ask anyone familiar with the Ruy Lopez about this line:
1. Are there any traps that can be used against me (Black) with this line?
2. Are there any traps I can use to against White?
3. Does it avoid a cramped middlegame?
Thanks.