Open Variation is variation 4 of 6 in the Ruy Lopez course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C82). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 …. Black takes on e4 and fights for active piece play. White regains the pawn with d4 and dxe5, then attacks the e4 knight and Black's queenside pawns with c3, Nbd2, Bc2 and Nd4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bb5 – Pressure on the e5 pawn's defender.
3... a6 – Challenges the bishop.
4. Ba4 – Keeps the bishop.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
5. O-O – Castles; e4 is only indirectly defended.
5... Nxe4 – The Open Variation: Black takes the pawn and gets active pieces.
6. d4 – Opens the centre to win the pawn back with interest.
6... b5 – Black first drives back the bishop so Re1 and d5 tricks are harmless.
7. Bb3 – The bishop retreats and keeps an eye on d5 and f7.
7... d5 – Supports the knight on e4 with a pawn.
8. dxe5 – Regains the pawn and gains space on e5.
8... Be6 – Develops and supports d5.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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