Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game)

The favourite opening of world champions: the bishop on b5 pressures the knight that defends e5, creating long-term pressure.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 (ECO C60)

Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game): 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7

Key ideas

  1. Pressure on the c6 knight weakens Black's hold on e5.
  2. Castle early, then prepare c3 and d4.
  3. White plays for quiet maneuvers and a lasting initiative.

A trap to know

Noah's Ark trap: after ...b5 and ...c5, the bishop on b3 can get trapped if White isn't careful.

Who is it for?

For players who love strategic chess and positions rich in ideas.

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