Ruy Lopez: Open, Howell Attack

A classic chess opening that focuses on controlling the center and attacking the opponent's king, this variation is a popular choice among experienced players.

The opening is a variation of one of the oldest and most classic of all chess openings, named after the Spanish bishop who wrote one of the first books on chess in the late 16th century. The specific variation is a more aggressive approach within the Open, aiming to put pressure on Black's position early in the game.

In this opening, White seeks to control the center of the board with their pawn and knight, while also attacking the opponent's knight on c6. Black responds by attacking White's bishop, forcing it to retreat. The game then continues with both players developing their pieces and fighting for control of the center.

This variation is characterized by White's early pawn push, which aims to open up the center and create attacking chances. Black typically responds by capturing the pawn and counterattacking with their own pawn push.

The main idea behind this variation is to create imbalances in the position and force Black to make difficult decisions early in the game. This can lead to sharp, tactical battles that require precise calculation and good positional understanding from both players.

Overall, this opening is an exciting and aggressive choice for players who enjoy complex, tactical battles and are well-versed in the intricacies of the classic opening it stems from.