This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Ruy Lopez
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
FEN: r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/1B2p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R b KQkq - 3 3
The Ruy Lopez is a classical and highly respected chess opening where White develops the bishop to b5, targeting Black's knight on c6. This move is characteristic for its indirect pressure on Black's central pawn on e5, as the knight on c6 supports that pawn.
Characteristic: The key idea behind 3.Bb5 is to challenge Black’s control of the center by putting pressure on the knight that defends the e5 pawn. It also helps White develop quickly and prepare for kingside castling.
Attacking or Defensive: When playing as White, the Ruy Lopez is primarily an attacking opening aimed at exerting long-term positional pressure. Black’s responses can be both defensive and counter-attacking, but White maintains initiative in the center and development.
Center Control: Yes, the Ruy Lopez indirectly attacks the center. While the bishop itself does not occupy the center, it targets Black's knight which supports the central e5 pawn, helping White to eventually challenge and dominate the center squares.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 673 - Move #5 white
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.