Chess with Sam Collins

Gavin Wall vs Alex Lopez

Irish Championship 2017

After losing to Philip Short in round five, Alex Lopez tied for first place in the Irish Championship with four consecutive wins, ending with this game.

1.e4 c6

The Caro-Kann Defence is Lopez’s main weapon against 1.e4.

2.Nc3

In round six, Rory Quinn essayed 2.d4 d5 3.f3!? against Lopez, obtaining an overwhelming position before going on to lose.

2...d5 3.Nf3

This system has recently become ...