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Ruy Lopez: Closed, Balla Variation

ECO C8821 half-movesBlack to move

Moves

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. a4

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Balla Variation (C88) reaches this position after 21 half-moves, with Black to move. Want to know why each move is played, the plans for both sides, and the traps to avoid? Step through it on an interactive board while the Chess Guru explains every idea in plain English.

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