Ruy Lopez
C60–C99White1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
C60–C99 · 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
The idea
The oldest and most deeply respected of all 1.e4 e5 openings. Instead of rushing, White prepares a slow, patient build-up, leaning on the knight that defends Black's e5-pawn. It rewards understanding over memorization and unfolds into one of the richest strategic battles in chess.
Your plan (White)
Pin or pressure the c6-knight to undermine the e5-pawn, then complete development with O-O, Re1, and c3, preparing the d4 break and a long, patient squeeze.
Heading into the middlegame
In the Closed Ruy, the position is locked and patient. White's textbook plan: reroute the queen's knight Nb1–d2–f1–g3 (the Chigorin maneuver), keep the centre with c3, and prepare a well-timed d4 while eyeing the kingside (Nf5, or a later f4). Don't rush d4 before e4 is safe — that's what Re1 and c3 are for. Black's counter is ...Na5 hitting the b3-bishop, then ...c5 expanding on the queenside; meet it calmly and keep improving pieces. Whoever executes their plan more patiently usually wins.
Lines
0/3 masteredYou pressure the c6-knight, complete development, and prepare a patient d4 break — slowly squeezing while Black expands on the queenside.
You trade on c6 to give Black doubled pawns, then steer toward an endgame where your healthier structure is a lasting edge.
Black counterattacks e4 and heads for the famously solid queenless Berlin endgame, leaving you to squeeze patiently without queens.