ECO code: C87
Spanish: Closed, Averbakh Variation, 7.c3 O-O 8.h3 Bd7
This variation arises from the Closed Ruy López, where White prepares to build a strong center and supports the d4 advance with 7.c3. Black responds with 7...O-O, ensuring king safety, and White plays 8.h3, a subtle waiting move that prevents Black's bishop or knight from pinning or pressuring the knight on f3. Black's 8...Bd7 is characteristic of the Averbakh Variation, aiming to connect the rooks and prepare potential ...b5 expansions.
Characteristic of the move 8...Bd7: This move develops Black’s light-squared bishop to a solid and flexible square, supporting the queenside and preparing for counterplay. It also helps complete Black's development, often leading to ...b5 and ...Re8 maneuvers.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is primarily attacking in nature, focusing on solid central control and preparing for a central break with d4. Black’s setup is more defensive initially but aims for counterplay on the queenside and center later.
Center Control: Yes, this opening fights actively for the center. White’s early c3 move supports the d4 push, aiming to establish a strong pawn presence in the center, while Black tries to undermine it with timely ...d6 and later ...c5 or ...b5 breaks.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Spanish: Closed, Averbakh, 7.c3 O-O 8.h3 Bd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #14 white