The Worrall Attack is a fascinating and intricate chess opening that arises from the Ruy Lopez opening, one of the oldest and most respected openings in chess.
It begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Qe2.
Below we look into the move order, theory, strategy, and purpose behind this opening, as well as its variations, history, suitability for different levels of players, and its frequency of play at the Grandmaster level.
Move Order of the Worrall Attack
The Worrall Attack follows the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Qe2.
This sequence is part of the broader Ruy Lopez opening and represents a specific variation that emphasizes early queen development.
Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Worrall Attack
The purpose of the Worrall Attack is to create a flexible and aggressive setup that can lead to various attacking possibilities.
By playing 6. Qe2, White prepares to support the central pawn with d2-d4, while also unpinning the f3-knight.
This move allows White to maintain more pieces on the board, leading to a complex middlegame.
Variations of the Worrall Attack
There are several key variations within the Worrall Attack, depending on Black’s responses.
Some of the main lines include 6…b5 7. Bb3 d6, leading to a more traditional Ruy Lopez structure, and 6…O-O 7. c3, which can transpose into other well-known Ruy Lopez variations.
The choices made by both players can lead to a wide array of complex positions.
6…b5 is considered the strongest response from black and leads to an even position.
Continuation Lines of the Worrall Attack
Some sample continuation lines:
6… b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. Re1 d6 9. c3 Re8 10. Ng5 Rf8
6… b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. a4 b4 9. a5 Rb8 10. d3 d6 11. Be3 Rb5 12. Ba4 Rxa5 13. Nbd2 Bd7 14. Bxc6 Rxa1 15. Rxa1 Bxc6 16. Rxa6 Bb7 17. Ra7 Qb8 18. Ra1 Bc8 19. Nf1 Qb7 20. h3 Be6 21. Ra7 Qc6 22. Bg5 h6 23. Bxf6 Bxf6 24. Ne3
6… b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. a4 b4 9. a5 Rb8 10. d3 d6 11. Be3 Rb5 12. Ba4 Rxa5 13. Nbd2 Bd7 14. Bxc6 Rxa1 15. Rxa1 Bxc6 16. Rxa6 Bb7 17. Ra7 Qb8 18. Ra1 Re8 19. Bg5 h6 20. Bxf6 Bxf6 21. Qe3 Bc6 22. Qa7 d5 23. Qxb8
6… b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. a4 b4 9. a5 Rb8 10. d3 d6 11. Be3 Rb5 12. Ba4 Rxa5 13. Nbd2 Bd7 14. Bxc6 Rxa1 15. Rxa1 Bxc6 16. Rxa6 Bb7 17. Ra1 h6 18. h3 c5 19. Nh2 Bc8 20. Nhf1 Be6 21. Qf3 d5 22. exd5
History of the Worrall Attack
The Worrall Attack is named after British chess player John Worrall, who popularized the opening in the late 19th century.
It has been played by many top players over the years, and its rich strategic content has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Is the Worrall Attack Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
The Worrall Attack can be suitable for both beginners and intermediate players.
For beginners, it offers a solid and straightforward development plan.
For intermediate players, it provides a platform for deeper strategic understanding and complex middlegame play.
How Often Is the Worrall Attack Played at the Grandmaster Level?
While not as common as some other Ruy Lopez variations, the Worrall Attack is still occasionally seen at the Grandmaster level.
Its unique characteristics and rich strategic potential make it an interesting choice for players looking to avoid the most heavily analyzed lines.
ECO C86 Ruy Lopez, Worrall attack, solid line (White perspective)
Conclusion
The Worrall Attack is a captivating and versatile opening that offers a rich playground for strategic exploration.
Whether you are a beginner looking to understand fundamental chess principles or an intermediate player seeking to delve into more complex territories, the Worrall Attack provides an engaging and rewarding journey.
Its place in chess history and its occasional appearance at the highest levels of play testify to its enduring appeal and strategic depth.
