ECO C63 · for Black
Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense
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.
434,297 games in this band reached the Schliemann Defense position. From there Black won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. Nxe5 Qd4 6. Qh5+ g6 7. Nxg6 hxg6 8. Qxg6+ Kd8 9. d3
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 f5 4. Bxc6 dxc6
3. Bb5
Threatening the knight on c6, which is a key defender of the e5 pawn. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... f5
4. Bxc6
4... dxc6
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nxe5 Qd4 6. Qh5+ g6
5. Nxe5
5... Qd4
6. Qh5+
6... g6
Moves 7 to 9
7. Nxg6 hxg6 8. Qxg6+ Kd8 9. d3
7. Nxg6
7... hxg6
8. Qxg6+
8... Kd8
9. d3
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The pawn on f5 typically captures the pawn on e4
- The pawn on e4 generally captures the pawn on d3
- The kingside knight usually develops to e7
- The queen on d4 often moves to g7
- The kingside rook often develops to g8
- The light-squared bishop can develop to d7 or f5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black