[October 06, 2017] Updated Opening Line by GM Slavisa Brenjo:
Ruy Lopez, Closed Defense – Flohr-Zaitsev Variation (Main Line with 12. a4)
Line 407 deals with one of the main lines in the Flohr-Zaitsev Variation of the Ruy Lopez. Black has three notable alternatives to the main 12… h6, namely: 12… exd4, 12… Qd7 and 12… Na5. As a response to 12… h6, White has the rare 13. d5, though 13. Bc2 is seen much more often; as a response to this plan, 13… Qd7 deserves serious attention.
The main line goes 13. Bc2 exd4 14. cxd4 Nb4 15. Bb1 c5 16. d5 Nd7 17. Ra3, where Black has a choice among 17… c4, 17… g6 and 17… f5, and in any of these cases he should be able to obtain sufficient counterplay.
[Diagram: White to Move] White pieces are exerting strong pressure on the kingside. How should White continue to launch a decisive attack?
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