C78

Ruy Lopez: Brix Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5

The Archangel and related lines feature an early ...b5, aggressively challenging White's bishop. These variations often lead to sharp tactical play with chances for both sides.

History & Notable Players

The Archangel variation was named after the Russian city where it was first played in a tournament.

Best Games

Dominguez Perez,L vs Aronian,L0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2022★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Keymer,Vincent1/2-1/2
FIDE Grand Prix 3 Pool B • 2022★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
9th Norway Chess 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
9th Norway Chess 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
So,W vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Matinian,N vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 17 • 2020★ Notable
Kovalev,Vl vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 16 • 2020★ Notable
Kobalia,M vs Le Quang Liem1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 15 • 2020★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Cheng,Ethan1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 • 2020★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
7th Sinquefield Cup 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2019 • 2019★ Notable
So,W vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
7th Norway Chess 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Anand,V vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2018★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
6th Norway Chess 2018 • 2018★ Notable
Anand,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
5th Sinquefield Cup 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Anand,V vs Kramnik,V0-1
5th Norway Chess 2017 • 2017★ Notable

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