The Ruy Lopez.
1 P-K4
P-K4
2 Kt-KB3
Kt-QB3
3 B-Kt5 ...
The most logical of all Openings arising from the double step of the two King's Pawns. The attack directs itself against K5 anew. The oldest defence is 3 ..., (]P-Q3, which is the most direct one. Surely a sound and substantial one, though it may not appeal to the high-flown fancy.
3 ... P-Q3
4 P-Q4
B-Q2
If 5 BxKt
BxB;
6 PxP
BxP.
5 Kt-B3
Kt-B3
6 BxKt
BxB
7 Q-Q3 ...
Black must now decide what to do with his KP. Obviously Q-K2, blocking the Bishop, is doubtful, as is X-Q2, which limits the action of QB. However, an unpretentious move suffices.
7 ... PxP
8 KtxP
B-Q2
Black desires to keep the two Bishops and to guard the point KB4.
8 ... P-KKt3 is tempting, but the Queen's side is threatened.
9 KtxB
PxKt;
10 Q-R6
Q-Q2;
11 Q-Kt7 winning a Pawn. 8 ... B-K2 however may be ventured, provided one keeps cool under fire,
9 Kt-B5
O-O;
10 B-Kt5. Possibly
10 ... R-K1 would suffice.
11 O-O-O
B-B1 soon to be followed by B-Q2, to drive off some of the assailants. Taken all in all, 8 ..., [!)B-Q2, as above, seems obvious.
9 P-KR3
B-K2
10 B-K3
O-O
White may now try O-O-O, but then Black obtains a target for attack in proceeding with P-B3, P-QX4, etc. The game seems evenly balanced.