C60
Ruy Lopez (Spanish)
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
The Ruy Lopez pins the c6-knight indirectly to the e5-pawn and asks Black a long-term question about the center. It has been a main battleground of world championship chess for over a century.
Unlike the Italian, the Ruy is more about slow maneuvering and long-term pressure than quick attacks — patience and a good understanding of pawn structures pay off.
Key plans
- The main line continues 3...a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O.
- White often plays for the d4 break and a kingside buildup.
- Black’s ...d6, ...Na5 and ...c5 plan challenges the center.
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