By playing Bc5, the player enters the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, a system within the Ruy Lopez complex. While g6 is the main choice, Bc5 offers a different perspective. It succeeds by sacrificing popularity for a statistically stronger weapon. This move controls key diagonals.
As the position develops, the priority becomes to control the long diagonal to exert lasting pressure. Data analysis shows a 42% win rate for White, indicating White advantage.
Also known as: Spanish: Moeller Defence, Spanish Game, Morphy Defense, Moeller Variation, Ruy Lopez
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