Trajković Variation (Ruy Lopez Theory)

The Trajković Variation is a fascinating and complex line in the Ruy Lopez, one of the oldest and most respected chess openings.

It begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 Bb7.

Below we look at the move order, theory, strategy, and purpose behind this variation, as well as its history, suitability for different levels of players, and its prevalence at the Grandmaster level.

Move Order of the Trajković Variation

The Trajković Variation follows a specific sequence of moves that distinguishes it from other lines in the Ruy Lopez.

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. O-O Be7
6. Re1 b5
7. Bb3 Bb7

This move order sets the stage for a rich middlegame with many strategic possibilities.

Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Trajković Variation

The Trajković Variation is rooted in deep strategic ideas.

The early development of pieces and central pawn structure aims to create a flexible and dynamic position.

The move 7. Bb3 Bb7 is a key feature, allowing both sides to pursue various plans and creating a rich battleground for tactical and strategic play.

Sub-Variations of the Trajković Variation

Within the Trajković Variation, there are several sub-variations that can lead to different types of positions.

These include different responses to the bishop’s retreat to b3, and various ways for both sides to develop their pieces.

Understanding these sub-variations is crucial for players wishing to specialize in this line.

The best reply for white is considered 8. d4, 8. c3, 8. d3, or 8. a4.

The Trajković Variation is evaluated at roughly +0.60 for white.

Continuation Lines of the Trajković Variation

Sample lines of the Trajković Variation include:

8. c3

8. c3 d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 O-O 12. d4 Bf6 13. Re1 Re8 14. Bd2 Rxe1+ 15. Qxe1 Qd7 16. Na3 Nb6 17. Qf1 c5 18. Rd1 c4 19. Bc2 Be7 20. h3 Bf8 21. Re1 Re8 22. Rxe8 Qxe8 23. Bd1 Bxa3 24. bxa3 h6 

8. c3 d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 O-O 12. d4 Bf6 13. Re1 Re8 14. Bd2 Rxe1+ 15. Qxe1 Nb6 16. Be3 Qd7 17. Nd2 Re8 18. Qd1 Nd5 19. Nf1 a5 20. a4 b4 21. Bd2 bxc3 22. bxc3 c5 23. dxc5 Qc6 24. Qg4 Bxc3 25. Rd1 

8. c3 d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 c5 12. d4 c4 13. Bc2 O-O 14. Re1 Bd6 15. Nd2 Qc7 16. Nf1 f5 17. Bd2 Rf6 18. b3 Rg6 19. Ng3 f4 20. Bxg6 fxg3 21. Bxh7+ Kxh7 22. Qh5+ Kg8 

8. d4

8. d4 Nxd4 9. Nxd4 exd4 10. e5 Ne4 11. Qg4 Ng5 12. Bxg5 Bxg5 13. Qxd4 O-O 14. Nc3 

8. d4 Nxd4 9. Bxf7+ Kf8 10. Bd5 c6 11. Bb3 Nxb3 12. axb3 d6 13. c4 h6 14. Bd2 Kf7 15. c5 Re8 16. Qc2 Qd7 17. Ba5 Kg8 18. Nbd2 

8. d4 Nxd4 9. Bxf7+ Kf8 10. Bd5 c6 11. Bb3 Nxb3 12. axb3 d6 13. c4 Kf7 14. c5 Re8 15. Qc2 h6 16. Be3 Kg8 17. b4 Qc7 18. cxd6 Bxd6 19. Nbd2 Bc8 20. Nf1 Bg4 

8. d3

8. d3 O-O 9. Nc3 d6 10. a3 Re8 11. Be3 Na5 12. Ba2 c5 13. Nd5 Bxd5 14. Bxd5 Nxd5 15. exd5 

8. d3 O-O 9. Nc3 d6 10. Nd5 Nxd5 11. Bxd5 Na5 12. a4 c5 13. Bxb7 Nxb7 14. axb5 axb5 15. Rxa8 Qxa8 16. Nd2

8. d3 O-O 9. a4 d6 10. Bd2 b4 11. c3 bxc3 12. Bxc3 a5 13. d4 Nb4 14. Nbd2 Nd3 15. Re3 Nxf2 16. Kxf2 Ng4+ 17. Ke2 d5 18. Nxe5 Ba6+ 19. Nd3 

8. a4

8. a4 O-O 9. d3 d6 10. h3 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Nbd2 Nc6 13. c3 d5 14. exd5 Nxd5 15. Ne4 b4 16. Bb3 Qd7 17. d4 exd4 18. cxd4 cxd4 

8. a4 O-O 9. d3 d6 10. Bd2 b4 11. c3 Rb8 12. cxb4 Bc8 13. h3 Nxb4 14. d4 Nc6 15. dxe5 dxe5 16. Qc2 Nb4 17. Bxb4 Bxb4 

8. a4 O-O 9. d3 d6 10. Bd2 b4 11. a5 d5 12. Bg5 dxe4 13. dxe4 Nxe4 14. Bxe7 Nxe7 15. Nxe5 Qxd1 16. Rxd1 Nc6 17. Nxc6 Bxc6 18. Nd2 Nc5 19. Bc4 Rab8 20. Nf3 b3 21. cxb3 Bxf3 22. gxf3 Rfe8 23. Ra3 h6 24. Rd4 

History of the Trajković Variation

The Trajković Variation has a rich history within chess.

Named after a prominent player who contributed to its development, it has been explored by many Grandmasters over the years.

Its evolution reflects changes in chess thinking and has led to a deep understanding of the underlying strategic concepts.

Is the Trajković Variation Good for Beginners or Intermediates?

The Trajković Variation can be a challenging line to master.

For beginners, it may be a bit complex due to the wide range of strategic ideas involved.

Intermediate players, however, may find it a rewarding study, as it offers a rich tapestry of strategic and tactical themes to explore.

How Often Is the Trajković Variation Played at the Grandmaster Level?

The Trajković Variation is not as commonly played at the Grandmaster level as some other lines in the Ruy Lopez.

However, it has been employed by some top players and continues to be a subject of theoretical interest.

Its unique characteristics make it a valuable weapon for those looking to surprise their opponents.

Ruy Lopez: Trajkovic Variation

Conclusion

The Trajković Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a rich and complex chess opening that offers a wide range of strategic possibilities.

While it may not be the best choice for complete beginners, intermediate players can find great value in studying this line.

Though not as prevalent at the Grandmaster level as other variations, it remains a fascinating part of chess theory and history.

Its unique blend of strategy, tactics, and flexibility make it a worthy addition to any chess player’s repertoire.