Opening Intensive with GM Jacek Stopa: Arkhangelsk Defense

Come and join GM Jacek Stopa for his new set of one day intensive classes on openings! For the first session, expand your repertoire with black and learn an aggressive line in the Ruy Lopez.

The first series of sessions will focus on the Arkhangelsk Variation with 6...Bc5 (C78) of the Ruy Lopez, with all of its major sidelines and main line theory. This particular line offers black a lot of dynamic counterplay with many lines quickly giving black the opening edge. Many of the world's top players have used this line with success over the years. The positions tend to get very sharp, quickly rewarding the more prepared and tactical players.

The course will begin with a brief introduction focused on historical details of the variation and quickly delve into actual games and theory. The variation was first used in a recorded game in the mid-19th century by Paul Morphy, which gives us an idea of just how long-lived it is. The line is legitimate in that there is no known refutation. The class will build on the earlier games first so the players can get an idea of how the variation developed, and gradually get to the most recent cutting-edge theory based on the most recent games.

The course is targeted at players USCF 1600+, but all are welcome. Future sessions may continue to explore the Arkhangelsk or delve into GM Stopa’s other specialities, such as the Catalan.