Ruy Lopez: Closed, Balla Variation

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Balla Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code C88 in the Open Games & French Defense family, beginning with 1.e4 e5 or 1.e4 e6, including the Italian Game, Ruy Lopez, and French Defense. It is reached after 11 moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 Na5 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. a4. The resulting position leaves black to move.