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
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3
FEN: r1bqk2r/2ppbppp/p1n2n2/1p2p3/4P3/1B3N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQR1K1 b kq - 1 7
The Closed Ruy Lopez is a classical and deeply studied opening characterized by White's early pressure on Black's e5 pawn and Black's solid defensive setup. The move 7. Bb3 preserves the bishop's influence on the center and keeps options open for White's central and kingside play.
From White's perspective, this opening is primarily attacking, focusing on controlling the center and preparing for a kingside initiative. Black's setup is more defensive, aiming to maintain a strong pawn structure and counterattack when the opportunity arises.
The opening directly contests the center with moves like e4 and Nf3 for White, and e5 and Nc6 for Black. Both sides fight for central control, but White tends to have a slight edge in space and initiative in the center early on.
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 8 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Closed to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.