C81

Ruy Lopez: Open, Howell Attack

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4

The Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a sharp, tactical approach where Black captures the e4 pawn. It leads to open positions with active piece play for both sides.

History & Notable Players

A classical response that has been popular since the 19th century. It offers Black dynamic play in exchange for some structural weaknesses.

Best Games

Carlsen,M vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
12th Norway Chess 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Giri,A1-0
4th Sinquefield Cup 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Caruana,F1-0
7th Mikhail Tal Memorial • 2012★ Notable
Tal, Mihail vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Taxco Interzonal • 1985★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Larsen, Bent1/2-1/2
Linares • 1981★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kortschnoj, Viktor1/2-1/2
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Keres, Paul vs Euwe, Max1-0
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Reshevsky, Samuel Herman1/2-1/2
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Euwe, Max1-0
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Keres, Paul vs Reshevsky, Samuel Herman0-1
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
FIDE World Rapid Team • 2024
Navara,D vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
7th Gashimov Mem Rapid • 2021
Ponomariov,R vs Oparin,G1/2-1/2
Lindores Abbey Tal Mem • 2021
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
World Stars Sharjah Int • 2020
Nakamura,Hi vs Carlsen,M1-0
Lindores Abbey Final 8 • 2020
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Vidit,S0-1
52nd Biel GM Rapid 2019 • 2019
Giri,A vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Croatia GCT 2019 • 2019
Giri,A vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
chess.com Speed 5m+1spm 2018 • 2018
Giri,A vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
chess.com Speed 3m+1spm 2018 • 2018
Caruana,F vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
GCT Rapid Paris 2017 • 2017

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