Top-Level Repertoire against Ruy Lopez
We are happy to present the new project of GM Arjun Kalyan - Top-Level Repertoire against Ruy Lopez. The extremely ambitious and popular Arkhangelsk Variation is the cornerstone of this repertoire. Besides, in the course, GM Arjun Kalyan covers all White's deviations on the way to the Arkhangelsk Variation. Inside the database, you will find many interesting concepts and novelties.
The course consists of 14 theoretical chapters, 26 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (3h and 43min Running Time).
Preview by the Author
The starting position of the Ruy Lopez arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
The Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular openings across all levels. It is a very classical opening that has been played at the World Championship level over decades. The bishop indirectly fights for the center by targeting the knight on c6.
Our reaction is 3...a6. This used to be the default response to the Ruy Lopez until the twentieth century and the rise in popularity of the Berlin. It is still much more popular, but at the top level, Berlin is a close competitor. We kick the bishop back to a4 so that we can go b5 anytime.
White's main response to 3...a6 is by far 4.Ba4. I also cover the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez arising after 4.Bxc6.
The exchange Ruy Lopez used to be popular a decade ago but nowadays it is a rare guest at most levels. White gives up the bishop to damage our pawn structure. The problem is that he is too early here compared to similar lines in the Berlin (after 4...Bc5).
Another important crossroads arises after 4.Ba4 Nf6
At this point, White faces a choice. The main line is by far 5.0-0. I also examined the following alternatives:
1) 5.Qe2 - This used to be a tricky idea, but it does not work well against our plan of ...Bc5. We can make our usual moves.
2) 5.d4 - White is trying to break the center quickly, but giving up central pawns is always risky. This has also gone out of practice.
3) 5.d3 - This is a very popular system, primarily because it avoids the huge amount of theory in the main lines. I think it is less effective compared to 6.d3 but the advantage is that White avoids the Open variation which is very concrete. Obviously, we will continue with 5...b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
This fits in well with our main repertoire, and the plans are pretty similar. White has many different options, and most of them transpose with one another. We will try to be consistent with our plans. In the second chapter, we will check ideas other than c3.
The main position of the current survey is being reached after 5.0-0 b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
This is the start of the Arkhangelsk variation. I like the bishop on the g1-a7 diagonal targeting the center. It is a more dynamic system compared to the traditional main lines. The bishop is active on c5, but at the same time, it is also more vulnerable as White will go to c3 and d4 quickly. We are often fighting directly against White's central pawns on e4 and d4. The h4-d8 diagonal may be an issue sometimes as we do not have the dark-squared bishop on e7.
In this position, White's main continuation is 7.a4
This is the critical move in the Arkhangelsk forcing Rb8. It has its pros and cons: the open 'a' file is useful for White, but in many lines, the b4-square becomes an issue. The rook on b8 also avoids problems with Bd5. Na5 is no longer available for us (provided White takes on b5).
White can also play 7.d3. This often arises from the 5.d3 move order. It is usually played by people who want to avoid theory and get a game. It is good to know how exactly to navigate these positions, as both sides have several plans.
Another major alternative on move 7 is 7.c3
This is the standard plan to meet ...Bc5 lines and is the most played move in the position. It was overtaken by 7.a4 as the more popular move over the last few years but is having a revival in recent times. It is very practical for White as he can go for it against all different move orders. The main line here goes 7...d6 8.d4 Bb6
Here there are several options for White. 9.a4 will transpose to the main lines after Rb8. I examine three main directions - 9.Be3, 9.Re1, and 9.h3. According to the analysis in this course, Black is doing fine in all the lines.
The most important position for this course arises after 7.a4 Rb8 8.c3 (I also examine 8.Nxe5) d6 9.d4 Bb6 10.a5
This is currently the most critical way for White to pose problems against the Arkhangelsk variation. White gains space on the queenside and restricts our pieces. It is in a way similar to the c3, and d4 lines which we saw earlier. There are some advantages and disadvantages compared to it. The pawn on a5 is often cramping us on the queenside. But it has weakened the b4 square for our knight. The old main line 10.axb5 does not promise White any advantage. I cover it in great detail.
After 10.a5, the play continues 10...Ba7 11.h3
White prevents us from going Bg4 and prepares to go Be3 next. We have two major options here, both of which equalise. I am suggesting to go for the natural move 0-0 but we then follow it up with a dynamic idea.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO