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.
Spanish Opening: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5
This variation arises from the Ruy López (Spanish) after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bc5. Black’s 5...b5 followed by 6...Bc5 is a classical and aggressive approach aiming to challenge White’s control of the center and develop actively.
Characteristic of the move 6...Bc5: This bishop move targets the sensitive f2-square and supports Black’s central and kingside activity. By placing the bishop on c5, Black increases pressure on White’s center and prepares for potential kingside attacks. It also helps Black complete development quickly.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this setup is generally attacking, as it seeks active piece play and pressure on White’s center and king position. White, having castled early and maintained a solid pawn structure, adopts a more positional and preparatory approach but can also launch central counterattacks depending on how the game continues.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center indirectly here. White has strong central presence with the e4 pawn and pieces ready to support d4 advances, while Black’s bishop on c5 and knight on c6 help put pressure on the center. Thus, this opening does involve active fighting for central control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 7 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used Spanish: 5.O-O b5 6.Bb3 Bc5 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.