The Exchange Variation was popularized most recently by Bobby Fischer. White damages Black's pawn structure, and will usually try to trade pieces to get into a favorable endgame. However, despite its reputation, some lines of the Exchange Variation also allow for middlegame attacking chances.
Common Lines in the Ruy Lopez
By Edward Scimia, About.com Guide
While White's most popular 4th move is to retreat the bishop to a4, 4. Bxc6 is also common. Black will usually recapture with the d-pawn, although it is also possible to do so with the b-pawn.
Prev
- The Ruy Lopez - Starting Position
- Berlin Defense
- Steinitz Defense
- Bird Defense
- Schliemann Defense
- Morphy Defense
- Exchange Variation
- Closed Variation
- Open Variation
- Marshall Attack
Suggested Reading
Explore Chess
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Holiday Central
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
Scrapbook Technique Gallery
Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.