Learn the Ruy Lopez
One of the oldest and most respected openings. White pressures the c6 knight that defends e5.
Starting position
Results with this opening
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Strategic ideas
Pressure e5, build a big pawn centre with d4 later, gain long-term small advantages.
Common mistakes
Allowing Black's ...Nxe4 tricks without preparation, losing the bishop pair carelessly.
Typical plans
Slow build-up, manoeuvre the knight to d5, expand on the queenside or kingside depending on the structure.
Variations
- Berlin Defence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6
- Morphy Defence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6
- Exchange Variation: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6
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