By playing bxc6, the player enters the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Lutikov Variation, a system within the Ruy Lopez complex. This line follows the main path of the Ruy Lopez. This move resolves central tension. Note that engines consider this speculative, often preferring safer alternatives.
In the resulting middlegame, players must focus on how to control the key diagonals to exert long-term pressure. Data analysis shows a 44% win rate for White, indicating White advantage.
Also known as: Spanish: Exchange, 4...bxc6, Spanish Game, Exchange Variation, Lutikov Variation, Ruy Lopez Exchange
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