Closed Ruy Lopez: Chigorin with 9.h3 Na5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Ruy Lopez course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C97). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 …. The classical main line: White builds the c3-d4 centre after h3 stops ...Bg4. Black gains queenside space with ...Na5 and ...c5, and White re-routes the queen's knight to the kingside. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and bishop.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre.
2. Nf3 – Develops with an attack on e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bb5 – The Ruy Lopez: the bishop attacks the e5 pawn's defender.
3... a6 – The Morphy Defence: Black asks the bishop what it wants.
4. Ba4 – Keeps the pin-like pressure on c6 and avoids giving up the bishop.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
5. O-O – Castles; e4 is indirectly defended because ...Nxe4 runs into Re1 or d4 tactics.
5... Be7 – The Closed Defence: Black develops and prepares to castle.
6. Re1 – Defends e4 so that Bxc6 followed by Nxe5 becomes a real threat.
6... b5 – Black drives the bishop away to stop Bxc6 and Nxe5.
7. Bb3 – The bishop takes the a2-g8 diagonal, aiming at f7.
7... d6 – Supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop's diagonal.
8. c3 – Prepares d4 and gives the bishop the c2 retreat square.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM