C92

Ruy Lopez: Closed

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Bb7

The Zaitsev Variation is one of the most important systems in the Closed Ruy Lopez. Black develops the bishop to b7, aiming for central counterplay.

History & Notable Players

Named after Igor Zaitsev, Karpov's trainer. It was Anatoly Karpov's main weapon with Black in many World Championship matches.

Best Games

Aronian,L vs Le, Quang Liem1-0
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2021★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Gharibyan,Mamikon0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 15 • 2020★ Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1-0
50th Biel GM 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Anand,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
8th Tal Memorial • 2013★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Morozevich,A0-1
54th Reggio Emilia • 2011★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Koneru,H1-0
WCh w • 2011★ Notable
Gashimov,V vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
GRENKE Rapid WCh • 2010★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
18th Amber Blindfold • 2009★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Topalov,V1-0
World Chess Challenge • 2009★ Notable
Leko,P vs Korchnoi,V1-0
38th Olympiad • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Navara,D1-0
38th Olympiad • 2008★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
Tal Memorial • 2008★ Notable
Polgar,Ju vs Morozevich,A0-1
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh 3rd-4th • 2008★ Notable
Polgar,Ju vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh 3rd-4th • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh • 2008★ Notable
Polgar,Ju vs Morozevich,A0-1
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Rapid • 2007★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Morozevich,A1-0
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable

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