(1) The Closed Variation [C90]

Although technically all variations stemming from 5...Be7 are considered closed Variations, the term usually refers to the positions after 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 N c6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0. White normally plays 9.h3, to prevent ...Bg4 with an annoying pin on the Knight at f3, but this is not absolutely necessary.

Play in the Closed Spanish tends to be slow, with White allowing the attack to simmer for a long time before uncovering it on the kingside. Black can react in the center or on the queenside. There is a great deal of behind the scenes maneuvering and the placement of each piece, especially the minor pieces, is critical.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0