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.
Ruy Lopez: Closed
The Ruy Lopez Closed variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7. This is one of the most classical and strategically rich openings in chess.
Characteristic: Black's 5...Be7 is a flexible developing move that prepares to castle kingside while maintaining a solid pawn structure. It signals Black’s intention to complete development calmly without immediate confrontation in the center.
Strategic Nature: From White’s perspective, this opening is generally attacking in nature, aiming to control the center and build pressure on Black’s position. Black, on the other hand, adopts a solid and somewhat defensive stance, focusing on piece development and maintaining a strong defensive setup.
Center Control: The Ruy Lopez Closed focuses heavily on contesting and controlling the center. White’s early pawn on e4 and knight on f3, combined with the bishop’s pressure on the knight at c6, indirectly challenge Black’s central pawn on e5. Black counters by maintaining a strong pawn presence in the center and preparing to strike back when appropriate.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Closed, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Closed to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.