Ruy Lopez, Closed, Chigorin Defense
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- This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
In chess, C97 is the ECO code for the Ruy Lopez, Chigorin Defense chess opening. The game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.c3 d6 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 Qc7. For 50 years the Chigorin was Black's main defense against the Ruy Lopez. Mikhail Chigorin perfected his variation around 1900. Black aims to push Whites bishop off the a2-h7 diagonal with ...Na5. This frees up Black's c-pawn for ...c5 with ...Qc7 or ...Bb7 or ...Nd7 to support. Unfortunately, Black then needs time to get the QN back into play. White can choose to close the pawn structure with d5 and attack on the kingside. Black can opt to trade pawns and open the c-file with attacking chances.
The Chigorin is divided into three ECO classifications. In C97, White proceeds from the diagram with 12.a4, 12.d5, 12.b4 or 12.Nbd2 where Black can respond with Be6, Rd8, Re8, Bb7 or Bd7. In C98, White opens up the board with 12.Nbd2 Nc6 13.dxc5 dxc5. In C99, Black initiates the exchanges with 12.Nbd2 cxd4 13. cxd4.