The Modernized Ruy Lopez - Volume 2

Complete Opening Repertoire for White

Dariusz Swiercz author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Thinkers Publishing

Published:13th Apr '21

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Modernized Ruy Lopez - Volume 2 cover

This insightful guide on the Ruy Lopez offers deep analysis and modern strategies, enriching players' understanding of this classic chess opening.

In The Modernized Ruy Lopez - Volume 2, the author expresses gratitude to readers for their interest in this intricate work on the Ruy Lopez opening. The journey of writing this book was unexpected, as the author initially underestimated the complexity involved in analyzing such a historically rich opening. The first volume was a significant challenge, and the second volume proved to be equally demanding, if not more so. This volume is divided into two parts, focusing on both modern systems and the Closed Ruy Lopez.

The first part delves into contemporary variations, particularly the …Bc5 lines, with a spotlight on the Archangelsk and Moller Variations. The author highlights the contributions of notable players like Fabiano Caruana, whose insights during the Candidates Tournament in 2020 reshaped the author's understanding of these lines. The analysis includes new developments and ideas that emerged from recent games, providing readers with fresh perspectives on these popular variations.

In the second part, the author explores the Closed Ruy Lopez, a staple in chess history. With a focus on strategic battles and positional play, the author presents innovative trends and paths in classic variations such as the Zaitsev and Breyer. The book aims to equip players with practical knowledge, emphasizing the importance of playable positions. The author's thorough analysis, backed by powerful engines, culminates in a comprehensive guide that seeks to enhance the reader's understanding and application of the Ruy Lopez in their games.

Grandmaster Dariusz Swiercz’s follow up to his first volume on the Ruy Lopez is a worthy sequel. He starts out by examining lines that involve Black playing an early …b5 or …. Bc5 (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 and now 5…Bc5 as well as 5…b5 6.Bb3 Bc5). He then moves on to the big main lines that begin after 5…Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0 9.h3 while opting to sidestep the Marshall Gambit with 7…0-0 8.a4. Swiercz concludes with a bonus chapter on 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.d3 where White steers play into more positional waters and sidesteps a lot of theory, but at the cost of putting less direct pressure on Black. The Modernized Ruy Lopez, likes its sister volume, is a practical book written by a world class player. The days when White could theoretically prove a first move advantage are long gone but Swiercz shows how to steer for positions that computers might assess as equal but which are much easier to play for White.  If you play either side of the main lines of the Ruy Lopez you will want this book. IM John Donaldson - April 2021.

ISBN: 9789464201086

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

336 pages

New edition