Ruy Lopez - Archangel (Arkhangelsk) Variation ⎸Chess Openings
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Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) – Archangel Variation – The most aggressive way to face the Spanish torture
For the theory in the Ruy Lopez watch this video on the basics: youtu.be/GFWI3gkizZg
Learn the Breyer Variation – a positional approach by black: youtu.be/0mOJpBF1VLM
The Archangel (or Arkhangelsk) defense is a great response to the Ruy Lopez. It’s one of the best ways for black to fight for an advantage early on, without leaving white with a free hand in the center.
The variation starts after:
1.e4 e5
2.Nf3 Nc6
3.Bb5 a6
4.Ba4 Nf6
5.0-0 b5 – instead of playing 5…Be7, black is immediately advancing on the queenside
6.Bb3 Bb7 – developing the bishop on the long a8-h1 diagonal
It’s obvious that black decided to compromise king safety in exchange for the initiative, and he got increased central control and piece activity, especially when compared to some lines of the Closed Ruy Lopez. The Archangel is a very fighting defense and one of the best tries for black in the Spanish Game.
The opening was very popular in the 90-es and all the greatest names, such as Kasparov, Shirov, Kramnik and Topalov played it with great success. Its fate was sealed (and that of many other lines in the Ruy Lopez) when Kramnik introduced the Berlin Defense as an excellent weapon against the Spanish in his World Championship match against Kasparov in 2000.
The Berlin is a great opening, but it’s far less active than the Archangel. Perhaps playing the Berlin is beneficial on 2700 level, but for all other rating ranges the Archangel gives much more winning chances and attacking prospects for black.
Play the Archangel if you want to go for the win. Even against stronger opponents. It will often be a surprise weapon, because people seem to have forgotten it exists. The Arkhangelsk Defense was never refuted, it’s just considered that playing Closed lines or the Berlin is safer for black.
To learn the Archangel study the games of Alexey Shirov and Garry Kasparov.