3…a6 4.Ba4 Nge7 – Practical Repertoire against Ruy Lopez

We are happy to introduce another fascinating project by GM Michael Roiz – 3…a6 4.Ba4 Nge7 – Practical Repertoire against Ruy Lopez.

This system is getting very popular recently. Black has gone for it in a bunch of high-level games. In most cases, our idea is to follow with …Ng6 on the next move. Years ago, grandmasters believed that this system was dubious since White could obtain a slight but stable plus. Modern engines, however, showed how Black can solve all the problems in all the problematic positions. GM Michael Roiz analyzed all the lines in such depth, that you can play this repertoire at any level. The fact that this line is relatively less explored makes it a very nice practical weapon.

The course consists of 14 theoretical chapters, 14 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2h and 10min).

The first two chapters deal with the straightforward 5.c3 Ng6 6.d4 exd4 7.cxd4 Bb4+

White has two main options in this position – 8.Bd2 and 8.Nc3. Even though the latter is considered more ambitious, both continuations should be taken seriously. Deep analysis shows that Black is in a very good shape in both cases.

Chapter 3 focuses on the position arising after 5.c3 Ng6 6.d4 exd4

In this chapter, you will see how to deal with White’s deviations from the natural 7.cxd4. The most aggressive line starts with 7.h4. With a precise play, however, Black has nothing to worry about.

Now, we should take one more step backward and take a look at the position arising after 5.c3 Ng6

In Chapter 4, Roiz shows how Black should react against White’s deviations from 6.d4. Once against 6.h4 seems to be the most critical option. In this chapter, you will find very interesting ideas for Black that allow him to solve all the problems.

The next two chapters feature the important position arising after 5.0-0 Ng6 6.c3

The most common and challenging move for Black by far. It has to be mentioned that this position can also be reached with different move order, starting with 5.c3 Ng6 6.0-0.

In this position, Black’s most promising continuation is 6…d5 

Claiming the main drawback of White’s last move – c3 is temporarily blocked, so Black’s queen is gonna be well placed in the center. In Chapter 5, Roiz examines White’s deviations from 7.exd5. The move 7.exd5 is examined in Chapter 6. In both cases, Black is doing fine.

In Chapter 7, Roiz examines one of White’s most critical continuations – 5.0-0 Ng6 6.d4

This active move is White’s second choice after 6.c3. The first important crossroads is being reached after 6…exd4 7.Nxd4 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 b5 9.Bb3 Bb7

White has to do with a threat of 10…c5, followed by c4. The only challenging move in this position is 10.Rd1, planning to answer 10…c5 with 11.Bxf7+. Roiz, however, proves that black is doing fine in this line.

Chapter 8 is dedicated to the continuation 6.Nc3

This move is White’s 3rd choice in the position. The simplest solution here is 6…Bc5. This developing move is especially effective in case c3 is not vacant for White’s pawn. Black is doing fine in this line.

Chapter 9 features 6.Re1.

This natural move is only White’s 4th choice in practice. Even so, many strong players, including Magnus Carlsen, played it. White is looking for a proper moment to push d2-d4.

The easiest way of solving the problems is 6…Bc5 7.c3 Nh4!

This precise move diminishes White’s control of d4. Later on, Black obtains an excellent position with natural moves.

In Chapter 10, you will find all White’s sidelines after 5.0-0 Ng6

For sure, the move 6.Bb3 is the most attractive among White’s minor options. White activates his bishop and invites Black to show his cards. As you will see in the analysis, Black manages to obtain easy equality with the precise 6…Na5.

In Chapter 11, Roiz examines 5.Nc3

Quite a tricky idea. White isn’t interested in making a pawn centre with c2-c3 and d2-d4. Instead, he opts for an active piece play when d2-d4 is still among his key ideas. As shown by the analysis of this chapter, with a precise play, Black has nothing to worry about.

The subject of Chapter 12 is the advance 5.d4

This is White’s 4th choice and nearly the most aggressive continuation. The critical position arises after 5…exd4 6.Nxd4 Nxd4 7.Qxd4 Nc6

This time, Black reasonably unblocks the bishop with a tempo. White’s two most serious options here are 8.Qe3 and 8.Qd3. In both cases, Black has an adequate counterplay.

In Chapter 13, Roiz covers 5.Bb3

This original move was played by many strong players. White is trying to claim the main drawback of the opponent’ setup (the f8-bishop is temporarily blocked) and quickly attack f7. As it becomes clear from this chapter, Black manages to solve all the problems with 5…d5.

The last Chapter 14 is dedicated to White’s sidelines after 4…Nge7.

Among White’s rare options, the most aggressive continuation is 5.h4. White signals that both …Ng6 or …g7-g6 will be met with h4-h5. It turns out, however, that the central strike 5…d5 is very effective here as well. As a matter of fact, this natural break is a novelty. As illustrated by the analysis, Black solves all the problems.