ECO C60 · for White
Ruy Lopez
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
25,001,725 games in this band reached the Ruy Lopez position. From there White won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Nxc6 Bxc6 7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4
3. Bb5
Threatening the knight on c6, which is a key defender of the e5 pawn. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... d6
Moving the pawn to d6 supports the e5 pawn and opens up lines for the bishop and queen. However, this move is somewhat passive and can lead to a cramped position.
- 3... a6: Pushing the pawn to a6 is preparing to kick the bishop away from b5, which is a common idea in the Ruy Lopez opening. This move also prepares for b5 and Bb7, developing the bishop to a strong diagonal.
- 3... Nf6: Developing the knight to f6 attacks the e4 pawn and prepares for d5, aiming to challenge white's control of the center. This move also allows for Be7 and castling kingside.
- 3... Bc5: Placing the bishop on c5 targets the vulnerable f2 square and prepares for a quick kingside castle. This move also supports the e5 pawn.
4. d4
Breaking in the center, taking advantage of the pin on the c6 knight.
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside in order to keep the development advantage.
- 4. Bxc6+: Exchanging the bishop for the knight in order to double black's pawns.
- 4. c3: Preparing d4, to gain a space advantage in the center.
4... exd4
Capturing the pawn because e5 was under attack.
- 4... Bd7: Relieving the pin on the knight, indirectly supporting the d5 pawn.
- 4... a6: Attacking the bishop and forcing white to exchange on c6.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Nxc6 Bxc6
5. Nxd4
Recapturing the pawn with the knight while centralizing the knight and attacking c6.
5... Bd7
Developing the bishop and defending the c6 knight.
6. Nxc6
Capturing the Black knight on c6 to relieve the tension and double Black's pawns. This will be an advantage later in the game.
- 6. O-O: Castling kingside and preparing to either continue with development or pressure Black due to the lack of development.
- 6. Nc3: Developing the knight while helping to control the center and continue with development.
- 6. Bxc6: Capturing the knight in order to double Black's pawns.
6... Bxc6
Recapturing with the bishop and offering a trade of bishops.
- 6... bxc6: Recapturing with the pawn and attacking White's bishop, forcing it to move.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. O-O
7. Bxc6+
Exchanging the bishop on c6 and doubling Black's pawns.
7... bxc6
Capturing the bishop. White has doubled Black's pawns but Black has the bishop pair, so the position is roughly equal.
8. O-O
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The dark-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on b2
- The queenside knight generally develops to c3
- The queenside rook usually develops to d1
- The kingside rook often develops to e1
- The queen typically develops to d3
- Common pawn moves are b3 and f4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White