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Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Bb5/3...Bb4

< Chess Opening Theory | 1. e4 | 1...e5 | 2. Nf3 | 2...Nc6 | 3. Bb5

3...Bb4!? - Alapin Defence

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3...Bb4!?

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Ruy Lopez, Alapin
a b c d e f g h
8        8
7        7
6        6
5        5
4        4
3        3
2        2
1        1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)

r1bqk1nr/pppp1ppp/2n5/1B2p3/1b2P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R w

Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4
ECO code: C60—99
Parent: Ruy Lopez

3...Bb4!? is a very odd response to the Ruy Lopez, named the Alapin Defence. This move copies White's move 3. Bb5 and has no clear idea. Everything that it attacks is defended, and white has two major options against this dubious defence:

  • 4. Bxc6 attempts to ruin Black's pawn structure by forcing them to double their pawns with either 4...bxc6 or 4...dxc6.
  • 4. c3 ignores the idea to double pawns and attacks the Bb4, and prepares to play d4 and rip the center open.

Therefore, the Alapin Defence is a very dubious defence against the Ruy Lopez, and should not be played without proper planning.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bb4!?

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