Ruy Lopez

Ruy Lopez is a popular chess opening that begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. It's named after a Spanish bishop who analyzed the game extensively in the 16th century.

This opening gives White a strong control over the center and allows for quick development of his pieces. Black's pawn on e5 is vulnerable and pinned by the bishop on b5, which makes it difficult for Black to defend.

One of the main drawbacks of the Ruy Lopez opening is that it can be difficult to master. There are many variations that require different strategies, and if you don't know them well, you could easily find yourself in a disadvantageous position.

Despite its difficulty, Ruy Lopez offers players a chance to get ahead early in the game. Its strengths lie in its ability to control the board and take control of the center. If you're looking to improve your game and try a new opening, Ruy Lopez might be just what you need to take your skills to the next level.

Ruy Lopez, move by move

e4

-0.15

In the Ruy Lopez opening, white's first move 1. e4 immediately stakes a claim in the center of the board and opens lines for their queen and bishop. By occupying e4, white puts pressure on black's center and restricts the movements of black's pawns and pieces. This also allows white to control the board's key squares and launch attacks against black's king. In sum, e4 is a confident move that sets the tone for the game and lays the groundwork for white's strategic plans.

Play on the board

e5

+0.72

Black's response to 1. e4 with e5 mirrors white's aim to control the board's central squares and stake a claim in the game from the outset. By playing e5, black aims to neutralize white's central pawn and exert control of the center themselves. Additionally, this move frees up black's pawn on f7, allowing the development of their knight to c6. In sum, e5 is a solid and reliable way for black to respond to white's opening move and start building their position from the center.

Play on the board

Nf3

+0.1

In response to Black's move of e5, White's Nf3 looks to develop a piece while conserving central control. The knight's placement puts pressure on black's pawn on e5, making it more difficult for Black to defend and freeing the d2 square for White's dark-square bishop. Also, the knight controls the g5 square, limiting black's ability to play f6. By developing the knight to f3, White is also preparing to castle kingside, which protects the king and brings another rook into the game. In sum, Nf3 is an important move in the opening, preparing for vital aspects of development, control of the center, and king safety.

Play on the board

Nc6

+0.76

In the Ruy Lopez, Black's move Nc6 develops a knight on the kingside, adding pressure on White's central pawn and preparing to control the central squares. Nc6 also opens up the possibility of an attack on White's bishop with d5, which can force White to retreat the bishop or trade it for the knight. Additionally, the knight on c6 defends the pawn on d4, which can also help Black establish a central pawn majority if the pawn trade occurs. In sum, Nc6 is a flexible move that prepares Black for several possible pathways in the opening.

Play on the board

Bb5

+0.05

In response to Black's move of Nc6, White's Bb5 develops a bishop while attacking Black's knight. If Black takes the pawn with d6, White can capture with their knight and double Black's pawns. Alternatively, if Black moves their knight with a6, White can retreat their bishop to a4 and gain time by attacking Black's knight again. The bishop on b5 also helps control the central squares and puts pressure on Black's pawn structure. In sum, Bb5 is a strong move in the opening that puts Black on the defensive and makes it harder for them to develop their pieces easily.

Play on the board

How to play the Ruy Lopez

Ruy Lopez opening begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. White's first move with central pawn puts pressure in the center. Next, White knights prepare to jump to c3 and g3 squares. Black knights get ready to help their queen quickly deploy onto the board. Once the bishop reaches b5, it pins the e5-pawn to the queen, limiting Black reactions.

How to counter the Ruy Lopez

Ruy Lopez is a popular and aggressive chess opening that begins with e4. It is known for its rapid development of pieces and center control. If you are black, the most common counter to Ruy Lopez is the Berlin Defense.

Berlin Defense is characterized by black's knight developing to f6 rather than c6, which can lead to an edge in the game for black. Other alternatives to Berlin Defense include the Schliemann Defense, Marshall Defense, or Petroff Defense, which can also be effective in deflecting Ruy Lopez's impact.

When playing the Berlin Defense, players must be aware of white's attacking moves along the middle of the board and prevent the development of a dangerous attack. The Berlin defense is a defensive opening and should not be played aggressively.

Pawn structure in the Ruy Lopez

In Ruy Lopez opening, both sides have a pawn structure composed by e and d pawns. White pawns exchange for Black ones, leaving an isolated d5-pawn for Black. The d5-pawn is also a backward pawn, as it is highly unlikely to advance but could be attacked by enemy pieces. Despite all these problems, Black can still contest White's control of the center by using aggressive pawn breaks. White, however, can force the d5-pawn to advance, which would make it highly exposed and vulnerable.

The papachess advice

In conclusion, Ruy Lopez opening is an excellent choice for those who want to control the center and pressure Black's position from the outset. Its strong points lay in quick and effective piece development, combined with disruptive pawn movements. White's pawn structure also puts an extra burden on Black, who has to carefully balance defense against potential attack opportunities. However, mastering this opening requires a lot of study and practice, as it has several variations that require in-depth knowledge. Players of all levels can benefit from playing and analyzing Ruy Lopez opening, either as White or as Black. Ultimately, Ruy Lopez gives players a chance to assert their dominance early in the game and dictate the pace and position of the play.