Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense (variation 2)

A strategic and solid opening that focuses on controlling the center and developing pieces efficiently.

The opening begins with White playing e4, followed by Nf3 and Bb5 to pin the knight on c6. Black responds with a6 to attack the bishop, prompting White to retreat to a4. Black then plays Nf6 and O-O, preparing to castle kingside. White continues with Re1, reinforcing the e4 pawn before Black plays b5 to challenge the bishop on b3. White can choose to either retreat the bishop or exchange it for the knight on c6. Black then continues with d6, preparing to fianchetto the bishop on g7. White plays c5 to challenge Black's center, and Black responds with Qc7 to support the d6 pawn. White can then choose to play d4 to open up the center or continue developing pieces.