 At the 1973 Madrid international tournament Ljubojević demonstrated what is now considered to be Black's most reliable path to equality. Against Silvino Garcia Martinez he played 9 ... a6 10.a4 Bg4 11.Bf4 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 and now the innovation 12 ... Qe7! which prepares ... Nbd7 while keeping the pawn on d6 defended. The exchange of Black's bishop for White's knight eases Black's slightly cramped position and weakens the force of White's e4-e5 break.
