Spanish Game: Exchange. Bronstein Variation

MATTHIAS WAHLS vs. SAEVAR BJARNASON
Malmo, Sweden, 1985

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Bxc6, dxc6
5. 0-0, Qd6
6. d3, Bg4
7. Be3, 0-0-0
8. Nbd2, f6
9. Rb1, Ne7
10. b4 ...

This move is part of White's plan to attack the flank.

10. ... Ng6
11. h3, Be6
12. a4, Qd7
13. d4, Bd6
14. b5, axb5

White succeeds in forcing Black to open this side of the board.  A weakness is now being created at  the a file.

15. axb5!, exd4
16. Ra1!, Kb8
17. Nxd4 ...

17. ... cxb5?

Black does not really have much of a choice.  If 17. ... c5 then 18. Nc6+ bxc6, 19. Ra6 cxb5, 20. Qa1 and White's attack is unstoppable.

18. Ra8+, Kxa8
19. Qa1+, Kb8
20. Qa7+!!  Resigns

Amazing Queen sacrifice!  Mate cannot be avoided.  After Kxa7, White replies with Nc6 double check.  White finishes off with Ra1 mate.

Ruy Lopez Opening: Exchange Variation

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. BORIS SPASSKY
$5 million match, 1992

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Bxc6 ....

The moves so far comprise the Exchange Variation of Ruy Lopez.

4. .... dxc6

This move is almost always chosen at master level. Black has gained the bishop pair at the cost of a weakened pawn structure, due to his doubled pawns on c6 and c7. In the Exchange Variation, by exchanging the 'Spanish Bishop', White aims to reach an endgame in which he has the superior pawn structure, which may become an important factor. Thus Black is compelled to strive for an active position, generally avoiding piece exchanges.

5. 0-0, f6
6. d4, exd4
7. Nxd4, c5
8. Nb3, Qxd1
9. Rxd1, Bg4
10. f3, Be6
11. Nc3, Bd6
12. Be3, b6
13. a4, 0-0-0
14. a5, Kb7
15. e5, Be7

If 15....fxe5, then 16. axb6 cxb6, 17. Ne4 Be7, 18. Rxd8 Bxd8, 19. Nexc5 bxc5, 20. Nbxc5... and White gets more than enough compensation.

16. Rxd8, Bxd8
17. Ne4, Kc6
18. axb6, cxb6
19. Nbxc5, Bc8

If 19....bxc5, then 20. Rxa6+ Kd7, 21. Nxc5+!!...

20. Nxa6, fxe5
21. Nb4+, Resigns

If 21....Kb7, 22. Nd6+ Kc7, 23. Nf7!.

Black loses after 21....Kb5, 22. Nd6+ Kxb4, 23. Ra3!! Be7, 24. c3+ mate.

Black loses material after 21....Kd7, 22. Ra7+ Ke6, (if 22....Ke8, then 23. Nd6+) 23. Ng5+ followed by 24. Ra8 or 24. Nf7.

Black also gets nowhere after 21....Kc7, 22. Ra7+ Bb7, (if 22....Kb8, then 23. Nc6+ mate) 23. Rxb7+ Kxb7, 24. Nd6+ Kc7, 25. Nf7!.