The Chigorin Bible - A Classic Defence to the Ruy Lopez

The Chigorin Bible - A Classic Defence to the Ruy Lopez delves into the historical context and strategic intricacies of the Chigorin Variation, a notable branch of the Ruy Lopez. This variation was first introduced at the Monte Carlo tournament in 1902 by Carl Schlechter during his game against Siegbert Tarrasch. The author highlights the evolution of this variation, revealing that in its early days, Black frequently opted to keep the king in the center with the move sequence 8...Na5 9. Bc2 c5. This approach allowed for greater flexibility and the preservation of options, as opposed to the more common 8...0-0.

The text discusses the implications of this strategy, noting that while it offered Black various tactical opportunities, it also allowed White to avoid certain preparatory moves, such as h2-h3. This particular move order was notably employed by several chess greats, including Capablanca, Lasker, Botvinnik, Euwe, Rubinstein, and Reshevsky, showcasing its significance in competitive play.

However, the author observes a shift in Grandmaster practice around the late 1940s, leading to the decline of this flexible approach. Consequently, the decision was made not to include these specific games in the book, reflecting a broader trend in chess strategy. Overall, The Chigorin Bible serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of this classic defense, offering insights into both its historical significance and practical applications in modern chess.