This article is one of the detailed articles about choosing the right plan in the Ruy Lopez. The mobile central formation occurs from the Ruy Lopez tense center, after black releases the tension on d4, exchanges the pawn, and white recaptures with his c3 pawn.

This article should be read together with the Ruy Lopez tense center and the Ruy Lopez symmetrical pawn center. Together they form an overview of the pawn structures you can get in the Ruy Lopez opening.

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This has immense strategic repercussions on the position.

White can, therefore be very happy if this transformation does happen, as his extra space, mobility, and attacking potential because of the absence of the e5 pawn greatly increase his chances.

Black, on the other hand, will have made a concession by capturing on d4, or he has a further central transformation and change of the position in mind.

Black strikes with c5

By striking at white’s center, he is forcing a decision.

The other two options are either to take on c5 or to advance to d5.

Taking on c5

By taking on c5, white has completely changed the nature of the position, and has in many respects simplified it.

The best way for white to prevent that from happening is to seek counter play in the center and on the kingside.

Why does white want e5 ?

Learn more about the Knight on the sixth rank here !

Advancing the pawn to d5

It is considered more complex and to give white better chances of playing for a win. Let us examine the strategic implications of this structural change.