Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bb4 4.c3 Ba5 5.Bxc6 dxc6 · ECO C60 · White to move

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What Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on e4; Black has central pawns on e5.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The d-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders