The Closed, Trajkovic Counterattack is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C88. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 Bb7, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is White to move after seven moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.
On the Ruy Lopez generally: One of the oldest and most classical openings. White develops rapidly and puts pressure on Black's center.
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The Closed, Trajkovic Counterattack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 Bb7. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C88.
The Closed, Trajkovic Counterattack is ECO C88. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 Bb7 at +0.71 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.