Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation
Simplified endgame. White's bishop pair vs. better structure.
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1. e4 › Ruy Lopez › Exchange Variation
Change
Sequence
1.e4e52.Nf3Nc63.Bb5a64.Bxc6
Possible Variations10
4... dxc69 variations
4... bxc6Lutikov Variation4... bxc6
About this opening
The Exchange Variation (4.Bxc6 dxc6) wrecks Black's pawn structure to aim for a favorable endgame: White has a healthy kingside majority, Black the bishop pair and open files in compensation. White's plan is crystal clear — trade pieces and exploit the structure — which makes it a practical weapon. Bobby Fischer brought it back into the spotlight in the 1960s.