Ruy Lopez: Closed, Keres Defense

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Keres Defense is a chess opening that involves a strategic maneuver to control the center and develop the pieces efficiently.

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Keres Defense is a popular chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Be7 7.Re1 O-O 8.c3 d6 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 Nd7. This opening is characterized by a closed pawn structure and a delayed development of the knight on c6.

The main idea behind this opening is to control the center with the pawns on e5 and d6, while preparing to develop the knight on d7 to f6. By delaying the knight's development, Black aims to avoid potential tactical complications that may arise from early exchanges in the center.

White usually continues with 12.Nbd2, preparing to reinforce the center with moves like c3 and d4. Black, on the other hand, has various options to continue the game, such as 12...cxd4, 12...Qc7, or 12...exd4. Each choice leads to different pawn structures and strategic plans.

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Keres Defense is a flexible opening that allows both players to maneuver their pieces and prepare for the middlegame. It offers rich positional possibilities and has been played by many top-level chess players throughout history.