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
0/5 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.
Instead of ...a6, Black develops the bishop actively to c5. You castle and support the centre with Nc3 and d3, reaching a solid, maneuvering Italian-flavoured game.
In the Closed Ruy, Black castles and strikes with the ...d5 gambit, sacrificing a pawn for a raging attack on your king. You grab the pawn and hunker down to defend and convert.